FULL LIST: Osun, Oyo, 25 other states to experience flood in July – NiMET

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 27 states, including Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Ogun, are at risk of flash flooding during the first 10 days of July as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.

In a flood risk alert covering July 1 to July 10, the agency attributed the heightened risk to persistent rainfall recorded in June, which it said had left soils across many parts of the country heavily saturated and unable to absorb additional rainfall.

According to NiMet, the expected heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal and poorly drained areas.

“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall.

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“As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal and poorly drained areas,” the agency said.

NiMet listed the states likely to experience flash flooding during the period as: Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa

The agency warned that the anticipated rainfall could disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure and farmlands, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

It noted that flooding could lead to traffic congestion, road closures and poor visibility, posing dangers to motorists and aviation operations.

NiMet also warned of possible power and telecommunications outages in affected communities, as well as waterlogging of farmlands that could result in crop losses.

The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to monitor weather forecasts and flash flood advisories, clear blocked drains and waterways, secure loose outdoor objects and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response efforts.

According to NiMet, early planning and timely action remain critical to reducing the impact of flash flooding.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency added.