File photo of flooding in Lagos and Ogun in 2023
The federal ministry of environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) has issued a fresh alert to nine northern states over possible flooding.
In a circular signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, director of erosion, flood and coastal zone management department, in Abuja on Monday, the centre said heavy rainfall and flooding are expected in several settlements between August 25 and 29.
Bokani noted that Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states have been placed on red alert, while Sokoto and Zamfara were also listed, with Makira and Anka towns specifically flagged.
The director said Adamawa and Katsina recorded the highest number of towns under threat. In Adamawa, Mubi, Shelleng and Abba-Kumbo were named; while in Katsina, Kaita, Bindawa and Katsina town were listed.
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In Jigawa, Gwaram was identified, while other towns on the watchlist include Nafada (Gombe), Ngala (Borno), Sumaila (Kano), Anka (Zamfara) and Makira (Sokoto). Bauchi also has Azare and Jama’are on the FEW Centre’s list.
Bokani urged FEW stakeholders to provide timely reports on emerging flood situations across the affected states.
He recalled that the centre had earlier issued additional warnings to towns across seven northern states.
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The director added that with water levels rising in the River Niger, communities along the flood plains from Jebba to Lokoja should evacuate.
Since the onset of the rainy season, widespread flooding has ravaged several communities across the country, displacing thousands of residents and destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Last week, a house of representatives committee said flooding is a major national emergency in the country, which requires “coordinated and strategic” response.
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