The Federal Government has issued a fresh warning of possible flooding in Lagos, Adamawa, and 12 other states, urging residents in high-risk communities to take precautionary measures.
In a flood prediction bulletin released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, heavy rainfall is expected between September 16 and 18 across 14 states and 52 communities.
The notice, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, listed vulnerable areas as:
- Akwa Ibom: Upenekang, Eket, Edor, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan, Uyo, Obianga
- Anambra: Ogbakuba, Nnewi
- Adamawa: Yola, Wuro Bokki, Farkumo, Jimeta
- Cross River: Akpap, Calabar
- Bayelsa: Amasoma, Ikpidiama, Kalama, Yenagoa, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Oporoma, Odoni, Otuoke, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Oliobiri
- Delta: Patani, Asaba, Abari, Escravos, Umuochi Utchi
- Kaduna: Kachia, Kauru
- Kebbi: Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo
- Katsina: Bakori
- Rivers: Ahoada, Bonny, Itu, Bori
- Imo: Egbema, Oguta
- Sokoto: Argungu, Gagawu, Silame
- Ondo: Igbokoda, Ore, Okitipupa
- Lagos: Epe
The advisory comes just three days after a similar flood alert for communities along the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger floodplains, with government urging residents to evacuate.
Already, parts of Adamawa State have begun experiencing severe impacts. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that heavy downpour on Tuesday triggered flash floods in 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South LGAs.
NEMA said it coordinated search, rescue and evacuation efforts with the state emergency agency, fire services and volunteers to move women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to safe shelters.
“Rapid assessments were conducted to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and urgent humanitarian needs,” the agency said in a statement.
Lagos, which witnessed severe flooding during last week’s rains, is also on the new watchlist. On Monday, downpours left motorists stranded on Ikorodu Road, with gridlock stretching from Anthony to the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge.
Authorities have urged residents in all high-risk areas to remain alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and heed evacuation advice.