The Federal Government has issued a grave warning following recent torrential rains, revealing that floods have submerged 21 local government areas across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This disclosure came during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utserv, alongside Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, and the Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), highlighted the widespread impact of the ongoing rainfall.
“The torrential downpour has triggered flash and urban floods, exacerbated by blocked drainage systems,” stated Engr Joseph Utserv. “This has led to significant displacement of residents and substantial property damage.”
According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) presented by NIHSA earlier this year, 148 LGAs across 31 states were identified as high flood risk areas. The ongoing flooding has confirmed the accuracy of these predictions, affecting states like Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and others.
“In addition to the immediate impact on communities, the flooding poses risks of escalating the cholera outbreak, which has already claimed lives and affected thousands,” highlighted the minister.
He further emphasized the upcoming challenges, stating, “River flooding is expected to begin this month in states located within the Niger Basin. States like Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Delta, and others are advised to prepare for potential inundation.”
The government has urged proactive measures, including clearing blocked drainage systems, relocating vulnerable communities, and enhancing flood resilience through infrastructure improvements. Efforts are also underway to monitor dam operations and upstream river conditions closely to mitigate further risks.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified specific LGAs in Anambra State at high risk and called for collaborative efforts to mitigate potential disasters during the rainy season.
As the situation unfolds, federal and state authorities continue to mobilize resources and raise awareness to minimize the impact of flooding on lives and livelihoods across affected regions.
Join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.