The Federal Government has forecasted five days of heavy rain downpour, which may lead to flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The flood prediction, obtained on Monday from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, advised communities on the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun to evacuate due to rising water levels.
The centre further indicated that the identified locations and their surroundings are likely to experience rainfall that could result in flooding from the 14th to the 18th of October 2024.
The states and locations affected include Osun State (Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo); Delta State (Escravos); Cross River State (Ikom); Anambra State (Onitsha); Taraba State (Donga, Ibi, Wukari, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gungun Bodel, Kambari, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro).
Nasarawa State (Rukubi); Kebbi State (Argungu, Birnin-Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa); Gombe State (Bajoga); Katsina State (Bakori, Funtua); Borno State (Biu, Briyel);
Kaduna State (Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, Kaduna, Jaji); Niger State (Bida, Kontagora, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, Mokwa, New Bussa, Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, Wushishi).
The other identified states are Yobe State (Dapchi); Adamawa State (Demsa, Farkumo, Ganye, Gbajili, Jimeta, Mayo-Belwa, Mubi, Natubi, Numan, Song, Shelleng, Wuro Bokki); Kogi State (Ibaji, Omala);
Kwara State (Jebba, Kosubosu); Bauchi State (Kari, Tafawa Balewa, Kirfi); Plateau State (Shendam); the FCT (Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Bwari); Kano State (Sumaila); Oyo State (Kishi); Sokoto State (Silame); and Zamfara State (Majara).
It added, “Also, due to the rise in the water levels of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, communities on the flood plains of these rivers, as well as other flood plains, are advised to evacuate.”