Minister Calls for Urgent Mitigation Measures
The Federal Government has announced that 94 towns are facing the risk of severe flooding from July 16 to July 20, 2024. This warning was issued by Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for the Environment, during a press briefing with The PUNCH on Tuesday. The minister highlighted that the identified areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall, which could lead to significant flooding over the five-day period.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the states at risk include Adamawa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Specific towns such as Gbajili and Ganye in Adamawa, Eziama and Arochukwu in Abia, and Onitsha in Anambra have been marked as potential hotspots for flooding. Other areas like Uyo and Eket in Akwa Ibom, Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi, and Maiduguri in Borno are also under high alert.
“The predicted heavy rainfall in these areas necessitates urgent actions from all stakeholders to mitigate the potential impact of flooding,” Dr. Salako stated. He urged local authorities and residents to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
Addressing concerns about the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the minister clarified that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is responsible for managing dams and would handle any communication regarding the opening of floodgates.
This advisory follows recent patterns of extreme weather events linked to climate change, underscoring the need for improved flood management and preparedness across vulnerable regions.
