The federal government says heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding may hit 13 states beginning from September 13 to September 17, 2023.
The 13 states to be affected included: Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa and Gombe.
The Ministry of Environment disclosed this Wednesday in a flood prediction report of the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub.
It said: “The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 13th – 17th September 2023:
“In Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi; Kebbi State: Argungu; Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina; Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa; and Kwara State: Kosubosu.”
It also predicted that the rise in the water levels of River Benue and River Niger could affect communities along the rivers up to Bayelsa State.
To this end, it advised residents in these areas to take precautionary measures.
The report noted that Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi might witness heavy rainfall leading to flooding, while in Bauchi State the same scenario might happen in Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama‘are, Itas and Misau.
It noted that towns that might be affected in Taraba State include Beli, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu and Yorro; while in Borno State, Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa and Bama might take the hit as well.
In Adamawa State, Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song were listed, while towns that were named in Yobe State include Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum,
The report further revealed that only Nafada in Gombe State might witness heaving rainfall that could lead to flood during the review period, while in Jigawa State, Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga might be affected.
“Also, due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State should kindly take precautionary measures,” the report stated.