LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- According to the Federal Government, heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding may hit about 48 towns in 13 states beginning from 13 to 17 September.
FG also predicted that the rise in the water levels of River Benue and River Niger could affect communities along the rivers up to Bayelsa State and advised residents in these areas to take precautionary measures.
The Government disclosed this on the flood prediction report of the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Punch reports.
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According to the report, the 13 states to be affected include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa and Gombe.
“The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 13 to 17 September 2023.
“In Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi; Kebbi State: Argungu; Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina; Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa; and Kwara State: Kosubosu.
“In Zamfara State: Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi might witness heavy rainfall leading to flooding, while in Bauchi State, the same scenario might happen in Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama‘are, Itas and Misau,” the report read in part.
Towns that might be affected in Taraba State include Beli, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu and Yorro, while in Borno State, Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa and Bama might take the hit as well.
In Adamawa State, Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song were listed, while towns that were named in Yobe State include Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum.
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Only Nafada in Gombe State might witness heavy rainfall that could lead to flood during the review period, while in Jigawa State, Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga might be affected.
“Also, due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State should kindly take precautionary measures,” the report stated.
The agency, however, stated that feedback from relevant stakeholders and State Government representatives would be highly appreciated.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had earlier stated on Tuesday that the Federal Government was striving to curtail the excesses of floods caused by heavy rainfall and the recent release of water from dams and rivers.
He urged Nigerians to always implement the recommendations of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, to reduce the effects of floods.