NiMet to NEMA: Flooding expected in 19 states — intensify response mechanisms

Mansur Matazu, director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), says above-normal rainfall is expected in 19 states between August and October. 

Matazu, who said this at a media briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday, asked state and national emergency management agencies to intensify response mechanisms as massive flooding is also expected.

He said heavy rainfall is expected over the northern states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, much of Kebbi and Gombe, as well as northern Kaduna and Adamawa states.

Matazu said the high-intensity rainfall and the resultant devastations experienced in recent times was due to the changing weather conditions as earlier predicted by NiMet.

He said the agency is liaising with NEMA and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to continue to observe, monitor, increase the adoptation of forecasts, and manage the situation.

“We cannot control climate change but we can mitigate and provide early warning,” Matazu said.

“Our role is also to ensure the provision of early warning products and services, timely dissemination of vital information and advisory services on weather and climate-related events. State and National Emergency Management Agencies should intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms.

“States that are expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes are advised to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities, especially at the high-risk areas.

“Measures to prevent mudslide disasters by relevant authorities, especially in the south-east are advised to be put in place. People should heed other advisories by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and National Emergency Management Agency.”

Matazu who advised Nigerians to heed the advice of the responsible agencies, added that normal to above normal rainfall conditions are also expected over most parts of the south-western states, including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, much of Oyo, Ondo; parts of Ekiti, and Edo.

“Normal rainfall conditions are expected in the central states, most of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, parts of Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo,” he said.

“Normal to below normal conditions are expected over the south-south and the inland states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states.”