Daily Trust reported that the Federal Government has issued a warning, identifying 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as vulnerable to severe impacts of flood.
Since May, the country has grappled with flash and urban floods resulting from intense and prolonged rainfall, exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems in urban areas. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Professor Utsev emphasized that the imminent shift to river flooding could heighten the severity of the situation nationwide.
Positioned at the lower segment of the River Niger Basin, Professor Utsev stressed that any flooding in the upper catchment areas would invariably impact downstream regions. This geographic reality, coupled with the seasonal release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon for hydropower generation, poses additional challenges.
"The states at high risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory," Professor Utsev announced, urging proactive measures from stakeholders to mitigate potential devastation.
Regarding the Lagdo dam's operations, he reassured the public that current water flow conditions at Wuroboki were stable, alleviating immediate concerns but cautioning about the need for ongoing vigilance.
In response to the cholera outbreak, which has already claimed 63 lives and affected over 2,100 individuals across several states, the Minister disclosed that a presidential committee had been constituted to coordinate a national response. He identified flooding as a compounding factor in the spread of the disease, citing poor sanitation practices such as open defecation.
Efforts to mitigate flooding risks include the construction of buffer dams along water channels to manage surges from the Lagdo dam. The design phase of these structures has been completed, with implementation poised to commence shortly, according to Professor Utsev.
As the government intensifies preparations, he called upon state governments, local authorities, and the general public to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property. Measures advocated include improved urban planning, maintenance of drainage systems, and heightened awareness of health risks associated with flooding.
With the seasonal forecast pointing towards continued rainfall and potential river inundations, the nation remains on alert, mobilizing resources and expertise to minimize the impact of what could be a challenging period ahead.
For residents in flood-prone areas, early warning systems and community-driven preparedness initiatives will be crucial in navigating the impending flood season and mitigating its fallout on vulnerable communities.