31 states, 148 councils risk flooding, FG warns

• Appeals to govs, stakeholders to act swiftly

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has warned Nigerians to get prepared as 31states and 148 councils face flooding. Utsev gave the warning at the public presentation of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja yesterday.

Utsev explained that the Annual Flood Outlook serves as a comprehensive guide to mitigate the impact of floods on communities across the country. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors, urging all stakeholders to take proactive measures to reduce the vulnerability of communities to flooding.

He also called on the media to play the vital role of disseminating the information contained in the AFO to the public, ensuring widespread awareness and preparedness.

Utsev said that by promoting a culture of proactive disaster management, the Federal Government aimed to build more resilient communities and minimise loss of lives and property during the coming rainy season.

The breakdown of the AFO showed that parts of 148 councils in 31 states of the Federation fell within the high flood risk areas, while part of 249 councils in 36 states of the Federation and the FCT fell within the moderate flood risk areas.

The minister added that 72 councils across the country fell within the high flood risk areas in April, May and June; while parts of 135 councils in July, August and September and part of 44 councils in October and November 2024 are within the high flood risk zones.

The high flood-risk states 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.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have promised to intensify efforts to mitigate the impact of the coming flood season in Nigeria.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, emphasised the importance of preparedness in addressing the perennial issue of flooding in Nigeria. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between NEMA and NIHSA in utilising the AFO to develop climate-related hazard preparedness and response strategies.

The Director General of NIHSA, Clement Nze, said the essence of the AFO was to proactively manage risks associated with flooding. According to him, until proactive actions are taken by relevant stakeholders, the predictions will have no significance.