The Federal Government has issued a warning that 94 towns across 22 states are at risk of severe flooding over the next five days, from Tuesday, July 16 to Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, announced this on Tuesday, explaining that heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding in these areas.
The towns at risk span across multiple states:
- Adamawa: Gbajili, Ganye
- Abia: Eziama, Arochukwu
- Anambra: Onitsha
- Akwa Ibom: Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan
- Bauchi: Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi
- Bayelsa: Letugbene
- Borno: Maiduguri
- Cross River: Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap
- Nasarawa: Udeni, Tunga
- Federal Capital Territory: Abaji, Bwari
- Jigawa: Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia
- Kano: Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila
- Kebbi: Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo
- Katsina: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua
- Kwara: Kosubosu
- Niger: Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi
- Plateau: Jos, Mangu
- Rivers: Port Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori
- Sokoto: Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako
- Taraba: Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gungun Bodel
- Yobe: Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama
- Zamfara: Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi
Dr. Salako emphasized the importance of preventive measures to mitigate the impact of these anticipated floods. He called on stakeholders, including state governments and local communities, to take proactive steps to reduce the potential damage and ensure the safety of residents.
Regarding concerns about the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, Dr. Salako clarified that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is responsible for dam management.
He stated, “If there’s going to be any issue around the Lagdo Dam, they will inform the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, but I’m not sure they have had any information because if they have any information, they usually also transmits such information to us at the federal level.”
