The Federal Government has issued a warning of heavy rainfall over the next five days, which may lead to flooding in 21 states and 123 locations.
This forecast, provided by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, covers the period from September 4 to 8, 2024.
Communities downstream of the River Benue are advised to evacuate due to rising water levels. The centre’s report indicates that these areas, along with the identified locations, are at risk of significant flooding.
Affected states and their locations include:
Adamawa: Mubi, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Song, Wuro Bokki, Natubi, Mayo Belwa, Jimeta, Gbajili, Ganye, Farkumo, Abba Kumbo
Benue: Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, Abinsi
Bauchi: Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau, Tafawa-Balewa
Kogi: Ugwalawo, Idah, Ibaji, Wara, Omala, Bassa, Ajaokuta
Borno: Biu, Maiduguri, Briyel
Nasarawa: Ado, Mararaba, Udeni, Rukubi, Ajima, Odogbo
Gombe: Nafada, Gombe, Bajoga
Kwara: Kosubosu, Kaiama
Jigawa: Dutse, Gumel, Ringim
Oyo: Kishi
Kaduna: Kachia, Zaria, Kauru, Jaji
Edo: Udochi, Agenebode
Kano: Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada
Katsina: Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura
Kebbi: Ribah, Argungu, Gwandu, Yelwa, Saminaka, Jega, Bunza
Plateau: Mangu
Niger: Ibi, New Bussa, Mashegu, Kontagora, Lavun, Rijau, Magama, Lapai, Katcha, Bida
Sokoto: Isa, Makira, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Goronyo
Taraba: Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro, Natubi, Mutum Biyu, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Kambari, Jalingo, Gun-Gun, Bodel, Gassol, Garkawa, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Mayo Renewo, Duchi
Yobe: Geidam, Potiskum, Dapchi, Damaturu
Zamfara: Bukkuyum, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun
Authorities emphasise the need for immediate evacuation of communities downstream from Makurdi due to the expected increase in water levels from the River Benue.