The Department of Emergency Management in the Federal Capital Territory, known as FEMD, is urging FCT residents who live near riverbanks and waterways, in the event of flood to move to higher ground to prevent the loss of lives and property.
The department’s acting director-general, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, gave this advice in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.
This follows confirmation by the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, about the country’s rapidly rising water levels across rivers and lagoons. Wenegieme noted that NIWA specifically advised boat operators and passengers to be aware of the rising tides and ensure strict compliance with safety regulations on inland waterways and the mandatory use of life jackets at all times.
She also cautioned about the possibility of heavy rainfall that could result in flooding in some states across the country from July 6 to July 10, 2024, and urged residents to take precautions.
According to the acting D-G, the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Centre, Federal Ministry of Environment, has predicted flooding in states neighbouring the Federal Capital Territory.
The prediction indicates that during this period, Zaria, Jaji, and Saminaka in Kaduna State, Ado in Nasarawa, and Ibaji in Kogi State, might experience heavy rainfall leading to flooding.
Based on the flood prediction, Wenegieme stated that the FCT could experience river flooding from its neighbouring states – Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa.
She emphasised the importance of heeding FEMD’s early warnings and taking proactive measures to avoid being affected by the potential flood.
Wenegieme also warned drivers against navigating through flooded areas during rainfall and encouraged residents to use the department’s 112 toll-free number in case of an emergency.