Federal Government Predicts Heavy Rainfall, Potential Flooding In 21 States

The Federal Government has predicted heavy rainfall and potential flooding from Sept. 4 to Sept. 8 in 21 states and 123 locations, before urging everyone to take precautions.

The government also advised communities that live near the River Benue to evacuate, as the water levels were rising. Here's a list of states and locations that are at risk of serious flooding.

• Adamawa: Mubi, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Song, Wuro Bokki, Natubi, Mayo Belwa, Jimeta, Gbajili, Ganye, Farkumo, Abba Kumbo
• Benue: Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, Abinsi
• Bauchi: Azare, Jama'are, Itas, Misau, Tafawa-Balewa
• Kogi: Ugwalawo, Idah, Ibaji, Wara, Omala, Bassa, Ajaokuta
• Borno: Biu, Maiduguri, Briyel
• Nasarawa: Ado, Mararaba, Udeni, Rukubi, Ajima, Odogbo
• Gombe: Nafada, Gombe, Bajoga
• Kwara: Kosubosu, Kaiama
• Jigawa: Dutse, Gumel, Ringim
• Oyo: Kishi
• Kaduna: Kachia, Zaria, Kauru, Jaji
• Edo: Udochi, Agenebode
• Kano: Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada
• Katsina: Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura
• Kebbi: Ribah, Argungu, Gwandu, Yelwa, Saminaka, Jega, Bunza
• Plateau: Mangu
• Niger: Ibi, New Bussa, Mashegu, Kontagora, Lavun, Rijau, Magama, Lapai, Katcha, Bida
• Sokoto: Isa, Makira, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Goronyo
• Taraba: Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro, Natubi, Mutum Biyu, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Kambari, Jalingo, Gun-Gun, Bodel, Gassol, Garkawa, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Mayo Renewo, Duchi
• Yobe: Geidam, Potiskum, Dapchi, Damaturu
• Zamfara: Bukkuyum, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun

A press statement signed by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Head of Press Unit Manzo Ezekiel on Thursday mentioned that after the recent floods that impacted many communities across some states, it was advisable to prepare ahead of potential water inundation.

"The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructure," NEMA mentioned, Punch reported.

"Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds. Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services."

NEMA is collaborating with state emergency agencies and other partners through the National Emergency Operations Centre at its headquarters to provide support, including rescue and relief, to affected communities.

The agency's Director-General Zubaida Umar highlighted the importance of acting early and staying alert, urging all residents to follow warnings and take immediate steps to protect lives and property. She also stressed that being prepared was crucial to reduce the impact of flooding.