The Minister of Water Resources, has said the 2021 Annual Flood Outlook shows that 28 States in the country are at risk of severe flooding.
Adamu disclosed this yesterday, at the public presentation of the 2021 Annual Flood Outlook, (AFO), of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, (NIHSA), in Abuja.
According to him, the States are Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.
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. 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, he added, noting that the 2012 flood brought about massive destruction of lives and property across the country.
The minister urged Nigerians to do all within their power to give succor to the populace grappling with the twin problems.
He said stakeholders, including policymakers and tiers of government, should rise to the challenge of the impending flooding and take appropriate measures such as clearing of waterways and flood paths to contain it.
