FG issues fresh flood alert for Lagos, Adamawa, 12 other

The Federal Government has raised a fresh alarm over the possibility of flooding in 14 states, including Lagos and Adamawa, between September 16 and 18.

The warning was contained in a flood prediction report released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment. According to the report, at least 52 communities across the country are at risk due to expected heavy rainfall.

The document, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, highlighted that the forecast is part of proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

According to the ministry, the states and communities to possibly experience flooding within the predicted days are Akwa Ibom State (Upenekang, Eket, Edor, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan, Uyo, Obianga); Anambra State (Ogbakuba, Nnewi); Adamawa State (Yola, Wuro Bokki, Farkumo, Jimeta); Cross River (Akpap, Calabar); Bayelsa State (Amasoma, Ikpidiama, Kalama, Yenagoa, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Oporoma, Odoni, Otuoke, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Oliobiri).

Others are Delta State (Patani, Asaba, Abari, Escravos, Umuochi Utchi); Kaduna State (Kachia, Kauru); Kebbi State (Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo); Katsina State (Bakori); Rivers State (Ahoada, Bonny, Itu, Bori); Imo State (Egbema, Oguta); Sokoto State (Argungu, Gagawu, Silame); Ondo State (Igbokoda, Ore, Okitipupa); and Lagos State (Epe).

This comes just three days after the government warned of flooding in Adamawa and 10 other states, advising residents around River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja to evacuate immediately.

Already, Adamawa State has begun to feel the impact, as the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed a heavy downpour on Tuesday in Yola and adjoining communities.

The rain started at about 4 a.m. on Tuesday and lasted until 12 noon.

NEMA stated that its Yola Operations Office coordinated search, rescue, and evacuation operations in response to severe flash flooding that affected 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by NEMA on its X handle, “NEMA rapid-response teams, alongside Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire services, and local emergency response personnel and volunteer rescue units, carried out search and rescue missions in flood-affected communities to locate and rescue stranded residents.

“Vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, were safely evacuated from high-risk areas to designated temporary shelters and safe locations.

NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs.

“The response was conducted in close collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, local government authorities, security agencies, and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and avoid duplication of efforts.”

Lagos State, which experienced widespread downpour last week, is also on the latest watchlist.

Motorists and commuters were stranded along the Ikorodu Road area of the state after last Monday’s rainfall caused heavy flooding along the axis.

Road users were also stuck in gridlock from Anthony to the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge stretch.