Flood Risk Alert Issued for 24 States and FCT

The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, has issued a flood risk alert affecting 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The warning indicates that these areas may experience high soil moisture, rainfall, rapid surface runoff, drainage surcharge, and rising river levels, which could lead to flooding.

The affected communities are classified into three categories: Critical Risk, High Risk, and Moderate Risk Watchlist. States identified under the Critical Risk category include Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

The FCT is categorized as High Risk, with specific areas listed. Residents in Critical Risk areas are advised to maintain a flood watch, verify evacuation routes, and protect vulnerable properties.

The advisory was signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.