Federal government of Nigeria issued flood alert on 11 states

[Augusta]

The federal ministry of environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) has issued a flood alert covering 32 locations across 11 states, warning that communities could be at risk between September 14 and 18.

In a circular released on Sunday, September 14, Usman Bokani, director of erosion, flood and coastal zone management, said the alert followed rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger.


The areas flagged include Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa; Beli, Serti and Donga in Taraba; Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika in Delta; and Rijau in Niger. Others are Ribah in Kebbi; Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano; Jibia in Katsina; Makira in Sokoto; as well as Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu in Zamfara.


The ministry urged residents along the floodplains, particularly those near Gongola up to Numan and from Benue and Niger up to Lokoja, to evacuate without delay.

 

[gwolf666]

This is a very serious alert, and it highlights just how vulnerable many communities remain when it comes to seasonal flooding. When the ministry issues such a detailed warning, it means the risk is not hypothetical but imminent, and people living in those areas really need to take it seriously. One of the biggest dangers with these alerts is that residents sometimes underestimate the speed at which water levels can rise, or they assume the worst will not happen to them. Unfortunately, floods can escalate within hours and cut off entire communities from access to help, so early evacuation is critical. Another issue is that even if the flood itself does not cause direct damage to homes, it often disrupts food supply, clean water access, and electricity, which can create longer-term hardship. I think what’s important now is for local authorities and community leaders to organize clear evacuation points, temporary shelters, and communication lines so people know where to go and what to do. It’s also vital for residents to safeguard important documents and essentials before leaving. At the end of the day, property can be replaced, but lives cannot, so the priority must be safety and swift action.