Rain cos flood

The impending gradual release of excess water
from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and heavy rain
expected in coming months may result in
massive flooding across the country soon, the
Federal Government has said.
This poses a serious threat to lives and property
in Nigeria. The various floods to be experienced
include river flooding, coastal flooding and flash
flooding.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of
Environment, Mrs. Nana Mede, said the
government was deeply concerned about the
likely loss of lives and properties as well as other
negative environmental consequences which the
floods might bring.
Mede, who spoke during a press briefing at the
ministry’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja,
stated that it had become pertinent for citizens
living along flood plains to prepare for relocation
to areas considered to be safe and remain on
the alert for any eventuality.
She said, “The impending gradual release of
excess water from Lagdo Dam by our
neighbouring country, Cameroon, which they
have hinted could take place any time soon and
the rains in the coming months pose serious
threats to lives and property. The states that are
likely to be affected are Adamawa, Taraba,
Gombe, Bauchi, Benue and Kogi.
“On a general scale, the massive rains are also
expected to cause flooding in many parts of the
country. River flooding will affect Sokoto, Niger,
Benue and Anambra states. Coastal flooding
resulting from sea level rise and tidal surges may
occur in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Lagos states.
“Flash floods could be experienced in some
urban locations such as Lagos, Port Harcourt,
Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Ibadan and other towns
along the country’s coastline.”
The government urged people living in the areas
to immediately clear their drainage, culverts and
canals.
Mede observed that earlier in the year, the
Nigerian Meteorological Agency made predictions
that the rain would come late, adding that it
would be massive and could be disastrous in
terms of environmental impact such as flooding
with its attendant consequences of loss of lives,
properties, livelihoods, outbreak of diseases and
disruptions of socio-economic activities.
She said, “Furthermore, the Nigerian Hydrological
Services Agency has also presented the 2015
Annual Flood Outlook for the country to the
public and it also confirms that there is every
possibility of flooding.
“The ministry is therefore appealing to states,
local governments, NGOs, churches, mosques,
traditional rulers and community based
organisations to take immediate steps to
sensitise the people and communities as well as
ensure that all the necessary things are done to
avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property.
“In extreme cases, state governments and local
authorities should prepare to evacuate residents.
Public places should be designated and prepared
for any eventuality. The ministry has already
called for emergency meeting of stakeholders to
discuss on elaborate strategies for tackling the
impending flood.”
The Federal Government, in 2012, spent over
N17bn in tackling floods across the country,
while about 360 lives were lost and properties
worth billions of naira were destroyed.