NEMA warns of impending floods in Niger State, urges residents to clear drainages

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger State, has called on members of riverine communities to start moving to higher grounds as well as residents of the state to clear their drainages for free flow of water.

Head, NEMA Minna operations office, Hajiya Zainab Sa’idu, made the call in a statement made, on Thursday, in  Minna the state capital.

She said that it was expedient for members of riverine communities to start moving to higher grounds because consistent rainfall would increase the water levels of different rivers across the state.

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• NEMA warns of impending floods in Niger State, urges residents to clear drainages
• NEMA warns of impending floods in Niger State, urges residents to clear drainages

Sa’idu noted that the call became imperative following the 2022 seasonal climate prediction that forecasted normal to the above normal amount of rainfall across the country.

“This prediction is already playing in Niger state as there has been consistent rainfall in recent weeks after the brief spell dries experienced.

“It is expected that the phenomenon will reduce the absorption capacity of the soil thereby leading to mass runoff water on the soil surface. Drainages /culverts should be cleared for water to flow freely without affecting buildings,” she said.

She stressed that the increase in water levels would lead to flooding of houses, structures, and farmlands in communities situated along river banks.

According to her, “the 2022 seasonal climate prediction length of the growing season in Niger state is predicted to be longer in the southern part of the state lasting for about 182 days in Agaie and Lapai local government areas of the state.”

She further explained that the length of season for Rafi, Shiroro, and Munya local government areas, would be from 154 to 163 days while Rijau LGA  will likely have less than 140 days, adding that the rainfall amount in southern parts particularly in Agaie and Lapai would be 1460mm.

Sai’du said that the predicted rainfall amount for Munya, Wushishi, Mashegu, Bosso, Chanchaga, and Paikoro LGAs would likely be from 1260mm to 1360mm while Rijau LGA in the northern part of the state will experience below 1100mm.

She thereby called on farmers in the areas to be guided by the statistics to avoid loss of wealth and livelihoods, saying,  that “NEMA would continue to sensitise people on the risk around them to save lives and property.”