Abuja Residents Urged to Relocate Over Flood Risks

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning to residents living near water channels in Abuja, urging them to consider relocating to safer areas due to heightened flood risks associated with increased rainfall activity. This warning follows a flash flood incident recorded early on Friday, which affected properties at 22 Anthony Ikem Street behind Blue Cabana Hotel in Mabushi District, Abuja.

The agency's statement, released by the head of public affairs, Nkechi Isa, indicated that heavy overnight rainfall caused water to overwhelm the ground floor of properties. FEMA received a distress call at 3:00 AM and quickly deployed a search and rescue team to assess and manage the situation on the ground.

Although no lives were lost, residents suffered damage to household items, food supplies, and important documents. Abdulrahman Moham, the acting director-general of FEMA, reiterated the need for residents to relocate and called for the clearing of blocked drains and the removal of structures built on water channels to mitigate future flooding risks.