The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has forecast a high risk of riverine flooding across 15 states between September 19 to 25.
In its national flood advisory issued on Friday, the agency
said rising river levels could trigger flooding in communities located on
floodplains during the seven-day period.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue,
Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and
Abia.
NIHSA said nine river stations are at risk and required
close monitoring.
The agency listed Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross
River among the locations identified in the assessment.
According to NIHSA, significant populations and critical
infrastructure are exposed to flood risks across the affected areas.
In Cross River, 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 health
facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious centres and 854 hectares of farmland
were identified within the flood-risk areas.
Umar Mohammed, NIHSA director-general (DG), in a statement
on Saturday, called on state and local government emergency management
authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to take immediate
precautionary measures.
He advised residents in flood-prone communities to move
people, livestock and valuables to safer, higher ground where necessary.
Mohammed also asked communities to activate local
early-warning and response mechanisms and monitor the agency’s flood advisories
and river-level updates.
He warned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges
and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
The NIHSA DG called on relevant authorities and communities
to pre-position relief materials, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies
and first-aid materials.
He also asked them to identify and prepare safe shelters for
possible temporary evacuation.
Mohammed advised residents to clear blocked drainage
channels and river outlets where it is safe to do so and avoid construction or
habitation in vulnerable floodplain areas.
He said early action and adherence to official flood
warnings are critical to reducing the risk of loss of lives, property and
livelihoods.
The NIHSA DG said the agency would continue to monitor
hydrological conditions and river levels across the affected areas and issue
further updates as necessary.
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