Flood Crisis: 30 States In Nigeria Scramble To Prevent Disaster
The Federal Government of Nigeria has alerted 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, of an impending flood crisis, prompting swift action from state governments to mitigate the disaster. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced that 1,249 communities in 176 local governments are at high risk of flooding between April and November.
The affected states include:
- Abia
- Adamawa
- Akwa Ibom
- Anambra
- Bauchi
- Bayelsa
- Benue
- Borno
- Cross-River
- Delta
- Ebonyi
- Edo
- Gombe
- Imo
- Jigawa
- Kebbi
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Lagos
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Osun
- Oyo
- Rivers
- Sokoto
- Taraba
- Yobe
- Zamfara
State governments are taking proactive measures to prevent or minimize flooding. Some of the steps being taken include educating residents on flood risks and precautions, clearing blocked drainages and waterways to ensure free flow of water, and moving residents from flood-prone areas to safer locations.
Anambra State government has started clearing blocked drainages and evacuating structures blocking water flow. Residents in 10 identified flood-risk local government areas have been alerted. Kwara State government is expanding the Asa River course to prevent flooding and advising residents against dumping waste in waterways. Ogun State government is engaging local governments to domesticate flood alerts and clearing waterways to increase carrying capacity. Delta State government has commenced clearing water channels and public sensitization.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified specific communities at risk and is working with state governments to enhance flood resilience. The Director General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, emphasized the importance of transforming flood data into real-time decisions and impactful resilience-building.
The Federal Government has urged stakeholders to prioritize early response, emphasizing that flooding can be contained with proper planning and infrastructure provision. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to take necessary precautions and relocate to safer areas if necessary.
The impending flood crisis in Nigeria's 30 states and the FCT requires urgent attention and action. State governments are taking proactive measures to mitigate the disaster, and residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. With proper planning and infrastructure provision, the impact of flooding can be minimized.
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