Nigeria: The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that fresh flooding is imminent in Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Niger and Kogi States which magnitude is comparable to that of August 29, 2012.
A statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr Paul Osahor, stated that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and NEMA’s warnings of imminent flooding are predicted on the alert raised by the Niger Republic River Basin Authority (NBA) that the dam at that end is already full and that gives cause for serious concern.
The statement further indicated that the rivers downstream and dams in Nigeria, especially in Benue, Lokoja and Kebbi States are also full and the Kanji and Jebba dams have started spilling water which would find its ways to the Atlantic Ocean through the River Niger and its tributaries.
Communities in Delta State would most certainly be affected by flood especially communities along the banks of River Niger and areas most prone to flooding in Delta State were Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ndokwa East and West, Isoko North and South, Ughelli South, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Aniocha South, Sapele, Warri North and South and Udu Local Government Areas.
In view of the predictions and the warnings by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) and National Emergency Management Agency, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Barr John Nani had advised people living in river banks and low land areas to move to higher lands or places of safety.
The statement therefore called on authorities of Local Government Councils in the State, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders to step up preparation against the flood prediction to reduce the level of destruction of properties and avoid loss of lives and urged general public should to be guarded.
