By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood warning to 33 states, urging communities in flood-prone areas to prepare for possible riverine flooding as water levels continue to rise across major rivers.
The warning was contained in a seven-day forecast released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, which said sustained rainfall and rising river levels could trigger flooding in several locations, threatening lives, homes, farmlands and critical infrastructure.
The states identified as being at high risk are Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Plateau.
The alert comes amid devastating floods in the past month that have ravaged parts of Abuja, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa and Niger.
In Abuja, heavy downpours submerged homes in Trademore, Lugbe and parts of the FCT, displacing residents and destroying property.
In Benue and Kogi, floods displaced hundreds of households, washed away farmlands in Niger and Jigawa, and cut off major roads in Taraba and Cross River.
Emergency agencies say the situation has increased pressure on relief camps and health facilities in affected communities.
NIHSA advised residents living along floodplains and in other vulnerable areas to relocate to safer, higher ground before water levels become critical.
The agency also urged state and local governments to activate early-warning systems and emergency response plans to reduce the risk of deaths and property damage.
NIHSA further advised residents to monitor official flood alerts and take precautionary measures early, particularly in communities located near rivers and other waterways.
The agency said it will continue to update the forecast as rainfall patterns and river discharge change.
