FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert in Lagos, Adamawa and 12 Other States

The Federal Government has issued a fresh warning of possible flooding in Lagos, Adamawa and 12 other states, urging residents in vulnerable communities to take precautionary measures.

In a flood prediction released on Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, heavy rainfall is expected between September 16 and 18 across 14 states and 52 communities. The alert, signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, listed areas most at risk.

According to the ministry, communities likely to be affected include Upenekang, Eket, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan and Uyo in Akwa Ibom; Ogbakuba and Nnewi in Anambra; Yola, Jimeta, Farkumo and Wuro Bokki in Adamawa; Akpap and Calabar in Cross River; Yenagoa, Sagbama, Otuoke, Peremabiri, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Ogbia in Bayelsa; Patani, Asaba, Abari and Escravos in Delta; Kachia and Kauru in Kaduna; Birnin Kebbi and Kalgo in Kebbi; Bakori in Katsina; Ahoada, Bonny, Bori and Itu in Rivers; Egbema and Oguta in Imo; Argungu, Gagawu and Silame in Sokoto; Igbokoda, Ore and Okitipupa in Ondo and Epe in Lagos.

This fresh advisory comes barely three days after the Federal Government issued a similar warning for Adamawa and 10 other states, urging residents along the flood plains of Rivers Gongola, Benue and Niger to evacuate immediately.

Already, Adamawa State has begun to feel the impact. The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed that heavy rainfall in Yola and surrounding communities on Tuesday caused severe flash floods that affected 13 communities in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas.

According to NEMA, its rapid-response teams, working with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire Services, security agencies and volunteer rescue units, carried out search, rescue and evacuation missions. Vulnerable households including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities were moved to temporary shelters and safe locations. Teams also assessed damage to property, infrastructure and humanitarian needs.

Lagos, which suffered widespread flooding after last Monday’s downpour, is also on the new watchlist. The heavy rain left motorists and commuters stranded along Ikorodu Road, causing gridlock from Anthony to the Odo-Iyalaro Bridge.

With more rains expected, the Federal Government is urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives to minimise the impact of flooding.