Flooding imminent in 12 states— NIMET warns

Written by Clement Idoko, Abuja Sunday, 05 August 2012

THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency has alerted the nation on imminent “above-normal” rainfall, which might lead to flooding incidents in 12 States of the Federation with its devastation effect.
The likely states, according to the agency, are: Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday and signed by Eleazar Obende of NIMET Public Relations Unit, adding that the agency has observed wetter-than-normal soil surface moisture and groundwater conditions in some parts of the country over the past 12 months.
In order to reduce the impact of the looming flooding in those states, NIMET has urged the affected state governments and the people in these states to clear their drainages and waterways as there was prospect of high intensity or long lasting rains occurring between August and October 2012.
The statement reads: “In February 2012, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency released the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction for 2012 to the Nigerian public.
“In the release, NIMET informed Nigerians that though a normal rainfall season is predicted for many parts of the country for 2012, it also explained that normal rainfall trend in any area can cause flooding and associated consequences mainly as a result of the people’s attitude of dumping refuse in water channels and drainages.
“In keeping with the mandate to monitor the predictions and give updates as and when necessary, NIMET has observed wetter-than-normal soil surface moisture and groundwater conditions in some parts of the country over the past 12 months. “As you are aware, the northern sector of the country will experience peak rainfall during August – October season.
“The effect of the wetter-than-normal conditions observed is the prospects of the occurrence of above-normal rainfall which may lead to surface run-off. The flooding incidents that may accompany further one day high rainfall events in and around Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina,  and Jigawa states will leave in its trail devastation and destruction reminiscent of similar incidents recorded in some parts of the country some months ago.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) advises the government and people in these states to endeavor to clear their drainages as there is high prospect of high intensity or long lasting rains occurring during August – October 2012 as predicted”.

SOURCE: Sunday Tribune, 5 August 2012.  http://tribune.com.ng