10 States Grapple with Flooding as FG Issues Warning for 21 More
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that ten states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have faced significant flooding, with the potential for 21 additional states to be affected as rainfall intensifies. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, issued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja.
In recent days, heavy downpours have disrupted business and daily life in Lagos and Ogun states, resulting in the collapse of a two-story building in Lagos' Mushin area and causing several casualties. Floodwaters in the Ketu area of Lagos also swept away a school pupil.
Prof. Utsev highlighted that the Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had predicted that 148 local government areas across 31 states are at high risk for flooding. States already affected include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
The minister warned that the flooding could exacerbate the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has already claimed 63 lives and resulted in 2,102 suspected cases as of June 30, 2024. River flooding is expected to impact states including Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Benue, and Adamawa starting this month.
Utsev also noted the significant impact of urban flooding, caused by heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage systems in cities. Notably, the FCT experienced severe flooding in late June, leading to two deaths and widespread property damage in the Trade More Estate in Lugbe.
The Federal Government continues to monitor major rivers and dams, including Kainji and Jebba on the Niger River and Shiroro on the Kaduna River, which are currently impounding water without releasing it.
Efforts to mitigate future flooding include constructing buffer dams alongside the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. However, local governments are urged to enforce flood control measures and ensure the safety of their residents.
Residents of Lagos and Ogun states continue to recover from the recent flooding, with many losing property and facing displacement. The tragic drowning of a pupil in Ketu has underscored the urgent need for improved flood management and infrastructure development.
As the rainy season progresses, authorities are advising caution and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of flooding across Nigeria.
