Federal Government Warns Kosubosu Community of Imminent Flooding, Urges Precautionary Measures
The Federal Government has issued a flood alert, warning the Kosubosu community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State to brace for massive flooding between September 4 and September 8.
The warning, based on statistics from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, comes amidst predictions of a five-day rainfall that could lead to flooding in 21 states and 123 locations across Nigeria.
The government has identified seven states that are likely to be severely affected: Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
Communities downstream of the River Benue, including Kosubosu, have been specifically advised to exercise caution and prepare for possible flooding during this period.
The states at risk of flooding include Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi, Kogi, Borno, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kwara, Jigawa, Oyo, Kaduna, Edo, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. The government has listed several towns and localities within these states where flooding is predicted.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also issued an advisory to states in central and southern Nigeria, urging them to take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of flooding. NEMA’s recommendations include clearing blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating residents from flood-prone areas to safer grounds.
The agency emphasized the importance of early action to prevent loss of life and minimize damage to property and infrastructure. It also urged communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Hydrological Services Agency.
“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” NEMA stated in a press release signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, on Thursday.
NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted the critical need for vigilance and preparedness in vulnerable areas. “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding,” she said.
The agency is coordinating with state emergency management agencies and other stakeholders to ensure support, including rescue and relief operations, is available to affected communities through the National Emergency Operations Centre located at NEMA’s headquarters.
