Niger State, Nigeria- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has charged authorities in Niger State to act proactively to tackle the expected negative impact of floods in the state this year
Head of NEMA Minna Operations Office. Hajiya Zainab Sai’du made the statement in the state capital on the 1st of May, 2023 after reviewing the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the 2023 seasonal climate prediction by the Metrological Agency (NiMet).
According to the statement, the two reports came from serious scientific research that has shown that the country will suffer massive flooding in three categories.
“The categories are high flood risk, moderate, and low flood risk. This report also identified Niger State as among the states in the category of high-risk flood states,” she said.
Sai’du disclosed that a normal to above-normal amount of rainfall was expected in 2023 which might result in little absorption, thereby creating huge water runoff on the surface that would result in a flood.
She added that other causes of the flood were indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, culverts, and building on waterways, as the refusal of riparian dwellers to relocate to higher and safer grounds during raining season.
She noted that the 2023 flood would affect not only riverside communities but would also affect people in urban areas in the state, adding that Niger State was predicted to experience flood between August, September, and October.
Sai’du said that it was expedient for traditional and religious leaders across the state to key into the risk reduction approach to reduce as well as mitigate the danger that was ahead.
“NEMA Minna Operations Office strongly calls on these community leaders too, as a matter of urgency, to lead the people of their various communities in identifying drainages/culverts that are blocked to be cleared. Community heads should also sensitize their people who have built on a flood plain and those living along river banks to relocate to safer and higher places,” she added.
She noted that adhering to the early warnings would help to save lives and property.
