… as floods threaten parts of Abuja, Niger, others
By Sarah NEGEDU
The FCT Emergency Management Department, in a statement issued Thursday night by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, said the alert followed a flood forecast by the National Flood Early Warning Centre, FEWS, of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has placed its emergency response teams on red alert following warnings of possible heavy flooding in parts of Abuja and neighbouring states between July 31 and August 4.
According to the statement, “about 11 locations in the FCT may be affected. The locations include Asokoro, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Damagaza, Garki 1 and 2, Guzape, Wuse 1 and 2, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, CBD and Kubwa.”
The statement added that the Acting Director-General of the department, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, had placed the FEMD Search and Rescue team on red alert “to forestall the loss of life in the event of heavy floods.”
FEMD appealed to residents “not to drive or wade into a pool of water,” advising them to “wait for the water to recede or use an alternative route.” He further urged residents to “please clear your drains to ensure free flow of water.”
The department assured residents that it was monitoring water levels and was fully prepared to mitigate the impact of flooding within the territory.
The FEWS alert had warned that some states contiguous to the FCT including Niger State, Suleja, Mashegu, Sarkin Pawa and Rijau are also at high risk of flooding. Also areas in Mararaba, Gidan Rogo, Wamba, Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa State are at risk of experiencing heavy floods.
In Kaduna State, Zaria, Jaji, Kauru, Kachia and Buruku are also expected to experience heavy floods.
Residents have been advised to remain alert, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow official guidance from emergency agencies.
