NEMA predicts below average rainfall in FCT, Kano, Kaduna, others

earlier than the long term average in most parts of the country. The prediction also indicated rainfall amounts range to be average and above average during the year.

“The exception to these are for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna and the FCT that are likely to observe belowaverage rainfall. Furthermore, states that are expected to record rainfall amounts of 2700mm and above are Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Cross River.

“Similarly, the 2023 AFO has revealed that a total of 66 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high flood risk in the months of April to June; 148 LGAs in July to September and 100 LGAs in the months of October and November.

“In addition, a total of 41 LGAs fall within the moderate flood risk areas in the months of April to June; 199 LGAs in the months of July to September and 72 LGAs in the months of October and November.”

According to him, this year’s forecast has indicated that there is a high risk of coastal flooding due to expected rise in sea level and tidal surge that may negatively impact agriculture, human settlements and transportation in Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Rivers States. Flash and urban floods are also forecasted over many cities and towns due to poor drainage systems and the lack of compliance to town planning and environmental regulations.

Ahmed therefore called for early action towards flood-prone areas, saying that the Agency has already sent out documents to the 36 state government for early action and preparedness.

He further urged remaining state governments to with immediate effect establish Local Emergency Management

Committee, LEMC, to curb the obvious damage flood can cause in prone areas.

He explains, “In NEMA, we believe that early warning must be matched with early action. Therefore, we have written letters and attached this document for dispatch to all the 36 State Governments and the FCT Administration with specific mention of LGAs at risk and actions that are expected to be taken by responsible authorities.

“We have also produced flood risk maps of areas at risk and uploaded on our official website and social media platforms for greater access by the public. NEMA has also commenced public sensitization through placement of flood early warning jingles, special discussions and advocacy across the states.

“From the foregoing, it is important to emphasize that it is our desire that early warning alerts are matched with appropriate early actions especially at the community level. State Governments that are yet to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in their respective Local Government Areas are encouraged to do so. Let me also advise the public to imbibe attitudinal change towards disaster risk reduction and take serious all advisories released by relevant authorities.”

Meanwhile , Director-General/ CEO, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, urged all actors within the disaster risks reduction and management value chain to uptake these early warning and early action documents, for continuous early action in their respective domains in order to avert losses.