Deluge Warning: FG Predicts Five-Day Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across 14 Nigerian States
In a stark alert issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria, citizens across 14 states have been warned to brace for a five-day stretch of heavy rainfall that could trigger widespread flooding.
The forecast, spanning from September 4 to September 8, 2025, was released by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its National Flood Early Warning Centre. The statement, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, underscores the growing urgency of Nigeria’s climate vulnerability.
The
warning identifies 43 specific locations across the affected states, including
Ebonyi, Cross River, Kano, Zamfara, Taraba, Abia, Yobe, Plateau, Borno, Imo,
Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom. Communities such as Afikpo, Ikom, Gwarzo,
Kaura Namoda, Gembu, Umuahia, Potiskum, Langtang, Ngala, Okigwe, Sarki Pawa,
Wamakko, Kafanchan, and Oron are among those expected to be impacted. These
areas are at heightened risk due to a combination of intense rainfall, poor
drainage infrastructure, and the broader effects of climate change.
The
Ministry’s alert comes amid mounting concerns over Nigeria’s preparedness for
extreme weather events. In recent years, flooding has devastated communities,
displacing thousands, destroying farmlands, and triggering outbreaks of
waterborne diseases. The current forecast is part of a broader pattern of
increasingly erratic weather, with experts warning that the country’s
infrastructure and emergency response systems are ill-equipped to handle the
scale of potential disasters.
In a
related development, the Lagos State Government has sounded its own alarm over
the deteriorating condition of the Lagos Lagoon. Officials described the
situation as a looming environmental and social crisis, citing coastal erosion
and the collapse of waterfront communities such as Idotun Village in
Ibeju-Lekki. The state is preparing to host a summit titled “Pressure on the
Lagoon: The Lagos Experience,” aimed at convening global experts to address the
threats facing the region’s aquatic ecosystems.
Meanwhile,
Nigeria’s flood relief efforts received a boost from the Chinese government,
which pledged $1 million in support for victims in the northern states. At a
signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar
Bagudu emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration in managing
the funds. Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai expressed solidarity with Nigeria,
noting that both nations have recently endured devastating floods and must
stand together in times of crisis.
As the
rains approach, the Federal Government urges residents in vulnerable areas to
remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. The coming days will test not
only the resilience of affected communities but also the effectiveness of
Nigeria’s disaster preparedness and international partnerships in mitigating
the impact of climate-induced emergencies.
No comments:
Post a Comment