THE Federal Government has issued an urgent flood warning to residents of 11 states, cautioning that heavy rainfall expected between Sunday and Thursday could lead to severe flooding and displacement.
The alert, issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (NFEWC) under the Federal Ministry of Environment obtained by News Point Nigeria, identified multiple locations across Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states as potential flashpoints.
According to the NFEWC, the following areas are likely to be most impacted:
Adamawa: Ganye, Natubi
Benue: Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam
Nasarawa: Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo
Taraba: Beli, Serti, Donga
Delta: Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika
Niger: Rijau
Kebbi: Ribah
Kano: Gwarzo, Karaye
Katsina: Jibia
Sokoto: Makira
Zamfara: Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu
The warning further disclosed that water levels at River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger have risen significantly, increasing the likelihood of overflow.
“Communities on the floodplains of River Gongola up to Numan, and those along the Benue and Niger riverbanks up to Lokoja, are strongly advised to evacuate immediately to safer areas,” the statement read.
The govt stressed that failure to act could result in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, and damage to infrastructure, especially as many states are still recovering from last year’s devastating floods.
The ministry called on state governments, local authorities, and disaster response agencies to swing into action, provide early response, and sensitize residents on safety measures.
It further urged relevant agencies to prepare evacuation centres, deploy rescue teams, and provide feedback to the federal government on mitigation efforts.
“This is a coordinated effort to save lives. All stakeholders must act quickly to reduce the impact of the impending flood disaster,” the ministry emphasized.
Nigeria has faced recurring floods in recent years, with 2022 witnessing one of the most catastrophic events in decades, displacing over 1.4 million people and killing more than 600 nationwide.