Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have been placed on alert following a warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA, of a high risk of flooding across parts of the territory over the next seven days.
The agency attributed the alert to rising water levels on the Gurara River, saying the Izom gauge had exceeded the warning threshold, a development that could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities within the FCT.
According to NiHSA, monitoring stations have recorded elevated river levels, prompting the need for residents living on flood plains to move to safer locations.
The agency also cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, whether on foot or in vehicles, warning that doing so could be life-threatening.
Reacting to the alert, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, FEMD, urged residents and relevant authorities to clear blocked drainage channels and remove structures obstructing natural waterways and flood plains to reduce the impact of possible flooding.
The department, in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, also advised residents to report emergencies through the 112 toll-free emergency number for prompt response.
