Full List: FG Issues Flood Warning to 22 States

The Federal Government has issued a flood warning for 94 towns across 22 states, effective from July 16 to July 20, 2024. Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, informed The PUNCH that these areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall, which could result in significant flooding.

The states identified include:

• Adamawa: Gbajili, Ganye
• Abia: Eziama, Arochukwu
• Anambra: Onitsha
• Akwa Ibom: Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan
• Bauchi: Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi
• Bayelsa: Letugbene
• Borno: Maiduguri
• Cross River: Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap
• Nasarawa: Udeni, Tunga
• Federal Capital Territory: Abaji, Bwari
• Jigawa: Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia
• Kano: Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila
• Kebbi: Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo
• Katsina: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua
• Kwara: Kosubosu
• Niger: Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi
• Plateau: Jos, Mangu
• Rivers: Port-Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori
• Sokoto: Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako
• Taraba: Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gun gun Bodel
• Yobe: Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama
• Zamfara: Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi

Dr. Salako emphasized the need for stakeholders to take measures to mitigate the potential impact of the flooding. He also addressed concerns regarding the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, stating that any updates about the dam’s floodgates would come from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

In response to the warning, Sokoto State’s Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, highlighted the state’s preparedness, mentioning the efforts of the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency to maintain safety. Mustapha Umar, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the agency, confirmed that sensitization and evacuation plans are in place.

Similarly, Bayelsa State’s Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control is actively clearing natural drains in Yenagoa to reduce the flood’s impact. Chairman Walson Omuso noted that higher grounds have been identified for makeshift relief camps, although no new measures are being taken in response to the federal warning.