FG Warns: 31 States and 148 LGs at Risk of Severe Flood

During the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, cautioned that 148 local government areas across 31 states are highly probable flood risk areas for the year.

Under the theme “Promoting the Use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security,” the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) leads the yearly predictions, with Utsev stressing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential flood impacts in these identified areas.

The states identified to be at risk include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

Utsav emphasized the need for preparedness, early warning systems, and community engagement to minimize damage to lives, property, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure, and the environment. Additionally, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), highlighted the significance of the partnership between NIHSA and NIMET in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness.

Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), echoed the call for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country. Clement Nze, Director-General of NIHSA, emphasized the vital role of collaboration among disaster risk managers, earth observers, mission makers, and other stakeholders to enhance preparedness and flood control measures.