FG warns of pending floods

The federal government has warned that expected heavy rains, and the impending release of excess water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon in the months to come will result in massive flooding across the country soon.
This was made known by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Nana Mede during a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja.
She stated that this poses serious threat to lives and property in Nigeria, adding that the various flooding types to be experienced include river flooding, coastal flooding and flash flooding, adding, that government was deeply concerned about the likely loss of lives and properties as well as other negative environmental consequences which the floods could bring.
She said it had become pertinent for citizens living along flood plains to prepare for relocation to areas considered to be safe and remain at alert for any eventuality.
According to her, “The states that are likely to be affected are Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Benue, and Kogi.
“On a general scale, the massive rains are also expected to cause flooding in many parts of the country. River flooding will affect Sokoto Rima, Niger, Benue and Anambra states. Coastal flooding resulting from sea level rise and tidal surges will likely occur in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Lagos states.
“Flash floods could be experienced in some urban locations such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Ibadan and other towns along the country’s coastline.”

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The government urged people living in the outlined areas to immediately clear their drainages, culverts and canals.
Mede observed that earlier in the year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency made predictions that the rains would come late, adding that when it does, it would be massive and could be disastrous.
She also said, “In extreme cases, state governments and local authorities should prepare to evacuate residents. Public places should be designated and prepared for any eventuality. The ministry has already called for emergency meeting of stakeholders to discuss on elaborate strategies for tackling the impending flood.”
The Federal Government, in 2012, spent over N17bn in tackling floods and its effect across the country, while about 360 lives were lost and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed.

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