NiMET Warns 27 States of Flood Risk in July

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a flood risk alert for 27 states, including Osun and Oyo, from July 1 to July 10, coinciding with the peak rainy season. The agency attributes the heightened risk to persistent rainfall recorded in June, which has left the soil heavily saturated and unable to absorb additional rainfall.

NiMET anticipates heavy rainfall that could trigger flash floods, particularly in low-lying urban coastal areas with poor drainage. The states listed at risk include Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa.

The agency warns that the anticipated rainfall may disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure and farmland, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. NiMET advises residents in flood-prone areas to monitor weather forecasts and take early action to mitigate the impact of flash floods.