Federal Government, on Sunday, raised the alarm that 11 states may experience heavy rainfall that may result in flooding between Sunday and Thursday.
A notice issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre identified the affected states and locations as Adamawa State (Ganye, Natubi); Benue State (Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam); Nasarawa State (Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo); Taraba State (Beli, Serti, Donga); Delta State (Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika); and Niger State (Rijau).
Others are Kebbi State (Ribah); Kano State (Gwarzo, Karaye); Katsina State (Jibia); Sokoto State (Makira); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu).
According to the notice, rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger pose additional risks.
It warned that communities situated on the floodplains are especially vulnerable.
The alert added, “Also, due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate immediately.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note.”
The ministry further urged state governments and other agencies to provide prompt feedback and act quickly to mitigate the impact.