Flood Alert: Federal Government Releases List of 19 States That Will Be Hardest Hit

• The federal government has warned of imminent river floods that will begin in late July and affect 19 states and the FCT,
• Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, drew attention to the ongoing flash and urban floods caused by heavy rains since May
• The water minister has expressed concerns that continued flooding could worsen the current cholera epidemic.

FCT, Abuja—The federal government has issued a warning that river floods are expected in late July, severely affecting 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Authorities also warn that continuing flooding could worsen cholera epidemics in some states.

As of Wednesday, July 3, the cholera epidemic has led to 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases, according to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Everyday trust.

Speaking about the flood situation on Thursday, July 4, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, stressed that since May the country has been struggling with flash and urban floods caused by heavy and prolonged rainfall, accompanied by insufficient and blocked drainage systems in urban areas.

Professor Utsev stressed that river floods, which are expected from the end of July, could have catastrophic consequences.

Countries that will be covered

He identified several high-risk conditions, including:

• Aqua Ibom
• Anambra
• Benue
• Bay
• Cross River
• Delta
• Edu
• Jigawa
• Kogi
• Kebbie
• Kaduna
• Niger
• Nasarawa
• Ondo
• Ogun
• Rivers,
• Taraba
• FCT

The minister noted that Nigeria is situated at the lowest part of the Niger River Basin, which means that if there is flooding in the upper areas of the basin, Nigeria should expect more flooding.

Minister: Lagdo Dam is being filled to generate hydropower

Referring to the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the minister said operators had reported that they were filling it to generate hydropower.

He assured that the current situation related to water flow in Wuroboki is normal and there is no reason to worry.

Utsev reveals plans to build buffer dams

In the context of annual floods caused by water overflow from the Lagdo Dam, the minister mentioned that plans to build buffer dams along the water channels to retain excess water from the dam are almost complete. Nigerian Tribune reported.

He confirmed that the designs for these dams have been finalised and the government is approaching the implementation phase.

Utsev advises governors on cholera epidemic

In connection with the outbreak of the cholera epidemic, the minister warned that the intensification of floods could lead to an exacerbation of the epidemic.

He revealed the establishment of a presidential committee tasked with developing a strategy to combat the epidemic, including addressing issues such as open defecation, which he deemed a contributing factor to cholera.

The Minister appealed to state and local governments, stakeholders and the public to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of devastating floods of the past years.

Lagos government responds to 9-hour downpour

In a related report, the Lagos State government has appealed to residents to remain calm on Wednesday, June 3, following flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall across the state.

Lagos State experienced heavy rains causing flash floods.

Legit.ng It was reported that flash floods that inundated areas such as Iyana-Oworo, which connects to the Third Mainland Bridge, and several other areas would subside once the rainfall stops and the water level in the lagoon decreases.

Source: Legit.ng