The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning that 94 towns across 22 states are at risk of massive flooding from Tuesday, July 16, to Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. He stated that the identified locations and their environs would likely experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding during the prediction period.
Dr. Salako listed the affected states and towns, including:
– **Adamawa**: Gbajili, Ganye
– **Abia**: Eziama, Arochukwu
– **Anambra**: Onitsha
– **Akwa Ibom**: Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan
– **Bauchi**: Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi
– **Bayelsa**: Letugbene
– **Borno**: Maiduguri
– **Cross River**: Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap
– **Nasarawa**: Udeni, Tunga
– **Federal Capital Territory**: Abaji, Bwari
– **Jigawa**: Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia
– **Kano**: Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila
– **Kebbi**: Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo
– **Katsina**: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua
– **Kwara**: Kosubosu
– **Niger**: Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi
– **Plateau**: Jos, Mangu
– **Rivers**: Port-Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori
– **Sokoto**: Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako
– **Taraba**: Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gun gun Bodel
– **Yobe**: Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama
– **Zamfara**: Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi
Dr. Salako urged stakeholders to take necessary actions to mitigate the potential flooding. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation manages dams and will handle notifications from the Cameroonian government regarding the opening of floodgates at the Lagdo Dam.
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The Sokoto State government has also disclosed its readiness to avert any possible flooding. Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, stated that the state government, through the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency, was working to maintain a safe environment. Mustapha Umar, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, highlighted the agency’s efforts in sensitizing and raising awareness in flood-prone areas.
Similarly, the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control continues clearing natural drains in Yenagoa and its environs to mitigate the impact of this year’s flood. Chairman Walson Omuso mentioned the preparation of higher grounds for makeshift relief camps but stated no fresh moves would be made in reaction to the flood warning.
The public is advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
