METRO Flood: FEMA alerts residents on days of heavy rains, thunder storms

By Stanley Onyekwere

Following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) prediction of thunderstorms and heavy rains for few days, the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has alerted the residents in the nation’s capital to brace up for the critical weather condition.

A statement from FEMA’s Head, Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, at the weekend, which made this disclosure, said Director General of the Agency, Dr. Abbas Idriss, has placed the search and rescue team volunteers, and all other staff of the agency on high alerts

It added that the current thunderstorm cells are expected to propagate easily to give thunderstorms accompanied with squall to cities in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Adamama, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina state in the next few hours.

The statement reads: “This is coming in the wake of the forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of heavy rainfall in the coming days in the FCT and some northern states.

“According to the early warning issued by NiMet , “Thunderstorm cells are currently observed over the northern parts of the country including Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi and Kano

“These are expected to propagate westward to give equally thunderstorms to some cities.

“NiMet said for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled.

“So, the public is advised to be cautious and stay in- doors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning”.

Furthermore, FEMA admonished all business operators in the FCT to avail themselves of weather reports periodically for effective planning in their operations.

It added that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, which usually affects the residents of the FCT.

“Dr. Abbas Idriss charged the Search and Rescue Team to take proactive measures to avert any loss of lives and property during this period.

“Idriss appealed to FCT residents to heed the early warnings and avoid anything that could lead to loss of lives or destruction of properties. Motorists should not drive through a pool of water.

‘They should also avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse as well as anything that could block the water ways.

“The FEMA Boss also called on the residents to join hands with the agency to ensure adequate protection of our environment in order to avoid the consequences of climate change.

“He also appreciate the contribution of all Stakeholders and appeal to them to do more as Disasters are fought by positive and impactful collaboration.

He urged residents to always use the 112 emergency tollfree number in the event of an emergency for prompt response”, the statement added.