NEMA Warns of Potential Floods as 56 Communities and 19 States Brace for Heavy Rainfall

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a cautionary alert, revealing that Delta, Ondo, Sokoto, and 16 other states across Nigeria, along with 56 communities, are at high risk of experiencing heavy rainfall during the month of August. NEMA has indicated that this intensified rainfall may result in severe flooding in the affected regions.

In a statement, NEMA Lagos Territorial Coordinator Ibrahim Farinloye listed the communities most vulnerable to the impending heavy rainfall. These include Aboh in Delta State, and multiple locations within Ondo State such as Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Idanre, Ifon, Iju Itaogbolu, Ogbese, Owo, and Owena.

Several communities in Lagos State, including Apapa, Badagry, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Ojo, and Surulere are also on the watchlist. Communities from various other states including Anambra, Ogun, Nasarawa, Cross River, Bauchi, Jigawa, Osun, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Imo, and Abia are anticipated to be affected as well.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued weather predictions indicating cloudiness, rainfall, and thunderstorms across the nation for the next three days. As part of its advisory, NiMet has urged airline operators to closely monitor weather reports and periodic alerts in order to make informed decisions about their operations.

NiMet also warned that the anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, and urged the public to exercise caution. It cautioned against driving or walking through floodwaters, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives and property during this rainy season.