13 States and 50 Communities on Alert for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding – NEMA 

By Adeke Chukwuka

NEMA warns of potential flooding in 13 states, mostly in Northern Nigeria, from Sept. 13 to 17 due to heavy rainfall in 50 communities.

NEMA’s Lagos Territorial Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, revealed that 13 states and 50 communities are at risk of flooding. These states include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara, with specific communities named for each state, like Sumaila and Kunchi in Kano, Argungu in Kebbi, and Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, and Katsina in Katsina

Additionally, Kontagora, Mashegu, and New Bussa communities in Niger, along with Kwara State and the Kosubosu community, are also on the list of areas susceptible to flooding.

Zamfara State, including communities like Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi, as well as Bauchi State, with areas such as Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama ‘are, Itas, and Misau, are among the regions to be impacted by potential flooding. Taraba State, which includes Bali, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu, Yorro, and Borno State, with Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, and Kukawa also on the list of affected areas.

Additionally, Adamawa State with Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song, and Yobe State with Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum are at risk. Gombe State, represented by Nafada, and Jigawa State, with Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga communities, are among the other regions and communities mentioned by the territorial coordinator as potential flood-prone areas.

Zamfara State, including communities like Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi, as well as Bauchi State, with areas such as Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama ‘are, Itas, and Misau, are among the regions to be impacted by potential flooding. Taraba State, which includes Bali, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu, Yorro, and Borno State, with Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, and Kukawa also on the list of affected areas.

Additionally, Adamawa State with Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song, and Yobe State with Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum are at risk. Gombe State, represented by Nafada, and Jigawa State, with Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga communities, are among the other regions and communities mentioned by the territorial coordinator as potential flood-prone areas.

Farinloye emphasised that due to increasing water levels in Rivers, Benue, and Niger, communities along these rivers, extending up to Bayelsa, should be vigilant and take precautions. He acknowledged the predictions of the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Central Hub under the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.