The National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) of the federal ministry of environment has issued flood alert for 32 locations across 11 states between September 14 and 18.
In a circular issued on Sunday by the director of erosion, flood and coastal zone management, Usman Bokani, the centre said rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue and River Niger pose additional risks.
The affected areas, according to the circular, include Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa; Beli, Serti and Donga in Taraba; Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika in Delta; and Rijau in Niger.
Others are Ribah in Kebbi; Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano; Jibia in Katsina; Makira in Sokoto; as well as Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu in Zamfara.
The ministry urged communities along the floodplains, including Gongola up to Numan, and from Benue and Niger up to Lokoja to evacuate immediately.
“Also, due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate immediately.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note”, the circular said.
