28 states at risk of flooding in 2021, says minister

Suleiman Adamu, minister of water resources, says communities in 28 states in Nigeria are at risk of flooding in 2021.

Speaking at the public presentation of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s (NIHSA) 2021 annual flood outlook (AFO) in Abuja on Thursday, Adamu said the flood projection in different states are of varying severity.

He said states surrounding River Niger and Benue will experience “severe flooding”, adding that it will aggravate the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year, we will be grappling with the two threats of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impending floods as predicted in the AFO,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“The flood projections show varying severity across parts of the country.

“In summary, the 2021 AFO forecast indicates that 302 local government areas (LGAs) in 36 states including the FCT will fall within the moderate probable flood risk areas.

“It is expected from the forecast that 121 LGAs in 28 states will fall within the highly probable risk areas.

“The states surrounding Rivers Niger and Benue are, without doubt, going to experience severe flooding.

“Floods come with attendant health risks through the contamination of potable water sources. The 2021 flooding will be exacerbated by the continuing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The minister noted that the 2012 flood which brought massive destruction of lives and property across the country necessitated the creation of a proper mechanism to prepare Nigerians to confront a reoccurrence.

According to him, the NIHSA forecasts have increased citizens’ awareness and led them to take measures to prevent severe flood damage.

He urged stakeholders, including policy makers and tiers of government, to take appropriate measures such as clearing of waterways and flood paths to contain it.