The Federal Government has issued flood warnings for 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to expected heavy rainfall. The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment released two separate predictions covering the periods from August 30 to September 2, 2024, and September 2 to 3, 2024.
The first prediction warns of heavy rains leading to potential flooding in the following states and their environs:
– **Adamawa:** Mubi, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Song
– **Bauchi:** Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau
– **Borno:** Biu, Mallam Fatori, Damasak, Kukawa
– **Gombe:** Nafada
– **Jigawa:** Hadejia, Miga, Dutse, Gumel, Ringim, Diginsa
– **Kaduna:** Kachia
– **Kano:** Wudil, Sumaila, Kunchi, Kano, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Gezawa
– **Katsina:** Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura
– **Kebbi:** Sakaba, Argungu, Gwandu
– **Plateau:** Shendam, Langtang, Wase
– **Rivers:** Port Harcourt
– **Niger:** Ibi, New Bussa
– **Sokoto:** Gada, Goronyo, Isa, Makira, Wamakko, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto
– **Taraba:** Bolleri, Bandawa, Dampar, Ngaruwa, Serti, Donga, Takum
– **Yobe:** Jakusko, Dapchi, Damasak, Geidam, Gashua, Machina, Gasma
– **Zamfara:** Anka, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Majara, Maradun, Shinkafi
The second forecast, extending from September 2 to 3, 2024, includes additional areas:
– **Bauchi:** Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, Jemaa, Kafin Madaki
– **Borno:** Ngala
– **Gombe:** Bajoga
– **Jigawa:** Gwaram
– **Kaduna:** Jaji, Kauru, Kafanchan, Zaria
– **Kebbi:** Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, Gauri – Banza
– **Plateau:** Mangu, Bukuru, Jos
– **Niger:** Lapai, Suleja
– **Sokoto:** Gagawa
– **Taraba:** Kambari, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gungun Bodel, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu
– **Yobe:** Kanamma, Damaturu, Potiskum
– **Kogi:** Omala, Abejukolo, Zugbe
– **Nasarawa:** Rukubi, Ado, Aso, Mararaba, Agima, Gidan Dogo, Keffi, Lafia, Loko, Odogbo, Wamba, Tunga, Udeni
– **Ebonyi:** Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo
– **Benue:** Abinsi, Agaku, Agyo, Buruku, Gbajimba, Gboko, Gogo, Igumale, Katsina-Ala, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ugba, Ugbokolo, Ugbokpo, Ukpiam
– **Enugu:** Nsukka
– **FCT:** Abuja CBD, Asokoro, Bwari, Damagaza, Garki I and II, Guzape, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Kuje, Kukwaba, Kurudu, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Maitama, Nyanya, Wuse I and II
– **Cross River:** Obubra
The ministry also warned that rising water levels in the Niger River may require communities downstream of Jebba to evacuate. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently reported that severe flooding has resulted in 192 fatalities across 29 states, attributed to unprecedented rainfall and rising levels in the Niger and Benue rivers.
