The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh alert warning that 21 states, including Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, and Benue, face significant risks of flash flooding during the month of July.
The advisory, released on Monday, highlights the heightened probability of flooding as seasonal rainfall intensifies across the country. NiMet noted that the likelihood and severity of flooding will vary from state to state, but urged all at-risk regions to take precautionary measures immediately.
According to the agency, states identified with notable or high flash-flood risk include:
-
Sokoto (classified with especially high risk)
-
Kaduna
-
Zamfara
-
Yobe
-
Bauchi
-
Bayelsa
-
Jigawa
-
Adamawa
-
Taraba
-
Niger
-
Nasarawa
-
Benue
-
Ogun
-
Ondo
-
Lagos
-
Delta
-
Edo
-
Cross River
-
Rivers
-
Akwa Ibom
NiMet’s advisory recommended that residents in these states adopt urgent safety measures, including relocating from vulnerable areas where necessary, clearing blocked drainage channels, preparing emergency supplies, and disconnecting electricity and gas during flood events. The agency also encouraged communities to enhance awareness campaigns on flood risks and strengthen preventive measures against landslides and mudslides.
Ecological Funds Questioned
The latest flood warning has renewed scrutiny over the use of Nigeria’s ecological funds. Investigations reveal that despite states collectively receiving over ₦620 billion from the federal ecological fund allocations in recent years, many appear poorly prepared to respond to flooding and other environmental emergencies.
Critics argue that the continued vulnerability of communities, even after such significant funding, raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the actual effectiveness of these funds in building environmental resilience and disaster response capacity.
Recent Flood Damage in Ondo State
The warning comes on the heels of fresh flooding incidents in Ondo State. Communities across four local government areas—Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo—were hit by severe flooding after relentless downpours last Friday through Sunday.
Residents on Monday appealed to the state government for urgent intervention and relief, saying the floodwaters destroyed property worth millions of naira. Reports from local communities such as Uso, Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan, and Igbotako described submerged bridges, collapsed buildings, and widespread displacement.
Community leaders called for immediate government assistance to provide shelter for displaced families, repair damaged infrastructure, and prevent further flooding as the rainy season progresses.
Observers warn that unless proactive steps are taken, Nigeria may witness more devastating flooding in the coming weeks, disrupting lives, destroying property, and undermining food security in affected regions.
Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor official weather advisories and take all recommended safety measures to reduce flood risks.
Post a Comment