The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, recently issued a stark warning to Nigerians about the impending threat of flooding across the nation.
Speaking at the public presentation of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, Utsev stressed the importance of readiness, revealing that a staggering 31 states and 148 local government councils are under significant risk.
The Annual Flood Outlook serves as a comprehensive roadmap to mitigate the devastating impacts of floods on communities nationwide.
Utsev underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors, urging all stakeholders to take proactive measures in reducing community vulnerability to flooding.
Additionally, he called upon the media to play a crucial role in disseminating the AFO information to ensure widespread awareness and preparedness.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of proactive disaster management, Utsev emphasized the aim of building more resilient communities and minimizing loss of lives and property during the upcoming rainy season.
Breaking down the AFO data, it reveals that parts of 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 31 states face high flood risks, while parts of 249 LGAs in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are categorized under moderate flood risk areas.
Utsev further detailed that 72 LGAs are at high flood risk from April to June, followed by parts of 135 LGAs from July to September, and parts of 44 LGAs in October and November 2024, all within the high flood risk zones.
The states identified as high flood-risk areas include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, CrossRiver, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katana, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have pledged to intensify efforts to mitigate the impact of the impending flood season in Nigeria.
NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stressed the importance of preparedness in tackling the recurrent issue of flooding in Nigeria.
She highlighted the collaborative efforts between NEMA and NIHSA in utilizing the AFO to develop climate-related hazard preparedness and response strategies.
The Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), Engr. Clement Nze, reiterated the significance of the AFO in proactively managing flood risks.
He emphasized that without proactive actions from relevant stakeholders, the predictions hold little significance.
Key highlights of the AFO include awareness campaigns, improved flood mitigation strategies, and enhanced early warning systems, all aimed at better-preparing communities for the upcoming flood season.
