The Federal Government has warned states and local government areas to brace up for increased river flooding as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and
Sanitation, handed down the warning at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that precautionary measures should be taken to avert
possible disasters from such occurrences.
Utsev said states had been alerted following recent reports
highlighted in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook as unveiled by the Nigeria
Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He said state governors had been provided with detailed
forecasts and preventative measures specific to their regions.
According to him, significant flood risks have been
identified in 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom
and Anambra.
The outlook, divided into three scenarios, indicated
heightened flood risks from April to November, with the most severe flooding
expected between July and September.
“Over ten states and the FCT have already experienced
varying levels of flooding since April, resulting in casualties and property
damage.
“Notable incidents include the flooding in Trademore Estate,
FCT, which led to two deaths and significant property loss,” he said.
Utsev noted the need for states and local government areas
to intensify flood prevention measures, such as clearing blocked drainage
systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas and constructing flood
barriers.
He said river flooding was expected from major rivers like
Niger and Benue, urging continuous monitoring and proactive measures.
The minister said that increased rainfall could exacerbate
the ongoing cholera outbreak, which had caused 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected
cases.
He said that a presidential committee had been constituted
to address cholera and other waterborne diseases linked to flooding.
Utsev said a realigned 2023 flood report had led to the
formation of a new committee, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to
address broader disaster management issues, including erosion and
desertification.
He said that the committee had submitted its report which
had been approved by the National Economic Council, with implementation
strategies set to commence shortly.
He added that the Clean Nigeria Use the Toilet campaign and
the activation of national laboratories were part of comprehensive measures to
enhance public health and sanitation.
Mr Clement Nze, Director General of NIHSA, underscored the
Federal Government’s advisory role, noting that enforcement and local action
fell under states’ jurisdiction.
He said that the Federal Government would continue its
efforts to construct buffer dams, alongside the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, to
mitigate flood risks.
NIHSA’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook reveals that 148 local
government areas (LGAs) across 31 states are at high risk of flooding.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra,
Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa,
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi.
Others are Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo,
Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.
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