Lagos flood

Sunday Okobi

Federal Ministry of Environment yesterday predicted heavy downpours in 23 states, which may cause flooding between now and August 27.

The warning which was contained in a report issued in Abuja, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Deputy Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management of the ministry, Dr Morohunkeji Oyeleke, identified some areas that could be affected in Kebbi State as Argungu, Bungudu, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo and Birni-Kebbi.

Other areas are Keffi and its environs in Nasarawa State, Okigwe in Imo State, New-Bussa in Kwara State, Sabongida-Ora in Edo State, Buruku in Benue and Echara-Onu and its environs in Ebonyi State.

Oyeleke appealed to the Federal and state governments of the identified states to take all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid flood disasters, adding that similar warnings in the past had saved lives and property.

She said the ministry had been receiving verbal reports from various state governments on how the weather forecasts had been helpful in efforts to initiate proactive measures to prevent loss of lives and properties.

She, however, noted that any change in the prediction would be promptly announced “because weather forecasting was based on probability.”