The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an early warning alert on likely flood in several local government areas in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed disclosed this in Abuja at the presentation of disaster risk management implications of the 2021 seasonal climate prediction and annual flood outlook.
The prediction, according to the agency is due to the volume of rainfall witnessed in some parts of the country and how the runways are constructed.
The agency also said the above-normal rainfall could lead to the erosion of roads and bridges which would hinder the movement of people, goods and services across the country. He said:
“The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) 2021 flood outlook on the other hand indicate that 121 Local Government Areas in 27 States and the Federal Capital Territory will expect a high probability of flood risk, while 302 Local Government Areas will experience moderate risk of floods.
“The remaining 351 Local Government Areas of Nigeria will fall within the low probable flood risk areas. Flash flood, urban flood and inundation occasioned by rise in sea level is also predicted by NIHSA.
At the same riparian communities along rivers Niger and Benue are expected to experience flooding as a result of overflow of water from their banks occasioned by upstream inflow coupled with heavy siltation of river beds.
He also raised caution in the aviation sector when he said that squall lines, thunderstorm, wind shear, microburst, flash floods can affect runways thereby disrupting landing and take-off of aircraft, causing a delay in flights, affecting sensors along runways and can lead to plane crashes in some cases.
On the impact of the rainfall on other infrastructure, he said: “Flooding due to the predicted above-normal rainfall could erode roads and bridges which could hinder the movement of people, goods and services.
The DG, however, said the document presented would help in the mapping out of communities at risk and safe locations for the setting up of temporary shelters. Habib also said the document would enable relevant agencies to plan for stockpiling of relief materials for timely intervention to persons that would be affected by floods and other disasters.
He added that the document contains recommendations targeted at guiding decision-makers at all levels of governments to avert adverse consequences, mitigate disaster risk, safeguard food security.
He therefore commended critical stakeholders who contributed to the report. “I specifically thank NiMet and NIHSA for producing the foundation for this important document.
I will not end my speech without sincerely appreciating the continuous support and guidance provided to NEMA by our indefatigable Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq.
“It is my hope that the 2021 Disaster Risk Management Implications Report to be released today by NEMA will guide the effective and timely management of all extreme weather events including flood disasters and associated hazards to save lives and livelihoods in our dear country, Nigeria.
