Suleiman Adamu, minister of water resources, says
communities in 28 states in Nigeria are at risk of flooding in 2021.
Speaking at the public presentation of the Nigeria
Hydrological Services Agency’s (NIHSA) 2021 annual flood outlook (AFO) in Abuja
on Thursday, Adamu said the flood projection in different states are of varying
severity.
He said states surrounding River Niger and Benue will
experience “severe flooding”, adding that it will aggravate the problems
created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year, we will be grappling with the two threats of the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impending floods as predicted in the AFO,”
NAN quoted him as saying.
“The flood
projections show varying severity across parts of the country.
“In summary, the 2021 AFO forecast indicates that 302 local
government areas (LGAs) in 36 states including the FCT will fall within the
moderate probable flood risk areas.
“It is expected from the forecast that 121 LGAs in 28 states
will fall within the highly probable risk areas.
“The states
surrounding Rivers Niger and Benue are, without doubt, going to experience
severe flooding.
“Floods come with attendant health risks through the
contamination of potable water sources. The 2021 flooding will be exacerbated
by the continuing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The minister noted that the 2012 flood which brought massive
destruction of lives and property across the country necessitated the creation
of a proper mechanism to prepare Nigerians to confront a reoccurrence.
According to him, the NIHSA forecasts have increased
citizens’ awareness and led them to take measures to prevent severe flood
damage.
He urged stakeholders, including policy makers and tiers of
government, to take appropriate measures such as clearing of waterways and
flood paths to contain it.
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