The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 14 states and 31 communities in Nigeria may experience heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding from July 4 to 8.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 5, Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s Territorial Coordinator for Lagos Territorial Office, said that the affected states and communities are:
Plateau: Langtang, Shendam
Kano: Sumaila, Tudun wada
Sokoto: Shagari, Goronyo, Silame
Delta: Okwe
Kaduna: Kachia
Akwa Ibom: Upenekang
Adamawa: Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-belwa, Jimeta, Yola
Katsina: Katsina, Jibia, Kaita, Bindawa
Kebbi: Wara, Yelwa, Gwandu
Zamfara: Shinkafi, Gummi
Borno State: Briyel
Jigawa: Gwaram
Kwara: Jebba
Niger: Mashegu, Kontagora
Farinloye urged relevant stakeholders within the affected states to take precautionary measures to forestall the loss of lives and property.
These measures could include:
- Evacuating people from flood-prone areas.
- Distributing sandbags and other flood-fighting materials.
- Reinforcing riverbanks and dams.
- Providing emergency shelter and food to those who have been displaced by flooding.
Heavy rainfall could lead to landslides and mudslides, so people should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.
The NEMA statement comes as Nigeria is already experiencing the rainy season, which typically runs from April to October.
Last year, heavy rains caused widespread flooding in Nigeria, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and causing billions of naira in damage.
The government and humanitarian organizations are urging people to be prepared for the possibility of flooding this year.
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it is important to have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate.
You should also know the location of the nearest emergency shelters. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of flooding.
