NiHSA lists 15 states at high flood risk for seven days

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has listed 15 states as high flood-risk areas for the period from September 19 to 25.

The alert covers Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia. The agency said the warning was based on forecasts of rising river levels and increased risk of river flooding.

NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed said nine river stations required close monitoring. Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River were among the locations identified in the assessment.

The agency advised state governments, local councils, emergency agencies, traditional leaders and community leaders to take precautionary measures. Residents in flood-prone communities were also urged to move people, livestock and valuables to safer ground where necessary.

The assessment said large populations and public facilities could be exposed in some areas. Punch reported that in Cross River alone, the exposure areas included 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard