The Federal Government has issued a flood alert, saying 13 northern states will likely winess heavy rainfalls that may lead to flooding between September 13th and 17th.
It predicted that the rise in the water levels of River Benue and River Niger could affect communities along the rivers up to Bayelsa State and advised residents in these areas to take precautionary measures.
The government disclosed this in the flood prediction report of the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of Environment, made available to our correspondent in Abuja.
According to the report, the 13 states to be affected include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa and Gombe.
The report read in part, “The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 13th – 17th September 2023:
“In Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi; Kebbi State: Argungu; Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina; Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa; and Kwara State: Kosubosu.”
In Zamfara State, the report stated that Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi might witness heavy rainfall leading to flooding, while in Bauchi State the same scenario might happen in Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama‘are, Itas and Misau.
Towns that might be affected in Taraba State include Beli, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu and Yorro; while in Borno State, Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa and Bama might take the hit as well.
In Adamawa State, Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song were listed, while towns that were named in Yobe State include Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum,
Only Nafada in Gombe State might witness heaving rainfall that could lead to flood during the review period, while in Jigawa State, Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga might be affected.
“Also, due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State should kindly take precautionary measures,” the report stated.
