The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has issued a warning, revealing that 148 local government areas (LGAs) spread across 31 states are at high risk of flooding in 2024.
News About Nigeria reports that the states identified as having high flood risks include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kogi.
Additionally, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe are also included in the list.
Utsev made this announcement during the official presentation of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja on Monday, under the theme “Promoting the Use of Data Analytics and Modelling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security”.
He mentioned that from April to November 2024, flooding is a possibility in high-risk locations, and this will potentially affect various aspects such as population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure, and the environment.
Speaking on Nigeria’s history of recurrent and severe flood disasters, Utsev referred to 2012 as one of the most devastating recorded events.
He mentioned that the World Bank estimated the total economic damage from the 2022 floods at approximately $6.68 billion.
At the same event, Charles Anosike, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), said it was urgent to integrate forecast information into national policies and interventions.
Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said that the AFO released by NIHSA is important.
Given the rising frequency and disastrous effects of floods, Umar said it was necessary to take proactive steps to minimise its effects nationwide.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) leads the yearly predictions of AFO.
