FG writes govs as agency predicts flooding in 31 states

The Federal Government has written at least 31 governors informing them of the impending flooding in their states between April and November this year.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook for the country.

At the event, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, an agency of the Federal Government, disclosed that a total of 148 local government areas in Lagos, Kano, Delta, and 28 other states had been categorised as high flood-risk areas.

Also, in preparation for the impending flood, various state governments told The PUNCH on Tuesday that they would demolish buildings on river channels, relocate residents, and clear drainages to prevent flooding.

Commenting on the general highlights of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook the water resources minister said some areas in 31 states were categorised as high flood-risk locations, while others in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would witness moderate flood.

He said, “The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook shows that part of 148 Local Government Areas in 31 states of the federation fall within the high flood-risk areas, while part of 249 LGAs in 36 states of the federation and the FCT fall within the moderate flood-risk areas.

“The high flood-risk states are 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, Yobe.”

On the seasonal outlook, Utsev pointed out that the high flood-risk areas would experience the situation between April and November 2024.

“The level of floods in this category is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock and infrastructure, and the environment.

“Part of 72 LGAs across the country fall within the high flood-risk areas in April, May, and June; while part of 135 LGAs in July, August, and September; and part of 44 LGAs in October and November 2024 are within the high flood-risk zones,” he stated.

For the moderate flood risk, he explained that areas in this category would witness moderate flooding between April and November 2024.

“Moderate impact level floods are expected in parts of 63 LGAs within April, May, and June; and in parts of 221 LGAs within July, August, and September; and parts of 100 LGAs within October and November 2024,” Utsev stated. Punch