From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned residents of 17 states to brace for possible riverine flooding between September 28 and October 4.

The agency, in its National Flood Advisory (NFA) No. 271 issued yesterday, said rising water levels at critical river stations could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities. NiHSA said it was closely monitoring the Obubra, Itigidi and Epento river stations on the Cross River, where water levels have continued to rise. The affected states include Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra and Kogi, among others. The agency warned that thousands of communities, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship and farmlands could be exposed to the impact of flooding. Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, urged residents and authorities in vulnerable areas to take preventive action before floodwaters rise. He said the early warning was designed to enable communities to protect lives and property rather than wait until the situation became dangerous. “We urge communities living along riverbanks, floodplains and other vulnerable locations to take this warning seriously and act early. “Where necessary, people, livestock and valuable property should be moved to safer and higher ground before water levels become dangerous,” he said. Mohammed also urged state and local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders to strengthen preparedness, pre-position relief materials and identify safe shelters ahead of possible evacuations. He advised residents to monitor official flood alerts and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, rivers and fast-moving water. NiHSA further called for the clearing of blocked drainage channels and watercourses, where necessary, to ensure free flow of water. The agency said it would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions at critical locations and issue further advisories as the situation develops.

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