The Minna Operations Office of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has predicted that two local governments in Kwara State may witness high flood within the months of July and November this year.
Hajia Zeinab Saidu, Head of NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Niger State disclosed in a statement that the flooding is particularly expected in Ilorin West and Ilorin East Local Government Areas of Kwara state.
Saidu said the prediction is contained in the Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) early this year.
”In this prediction, Ilorin West and Ilorin East LGAs are categorized among the areas termed as ‘High Flood Risk Areas’ foreseen to experience flooding from July to the end of the year.
”Other local government areas like Patigi, Offa, Edu and Oyun, though termed moderate flood risk areas, may also experience high levels of flood from July to November.
”It is pertinent to note that Kwara has started experiencing flood and windstorm in some of these areas, hence the need for the people to take serious precautions to avoid any further damage to properties and loss of lives,” she warned.
Saidu urged residents of the state in all areas identified to ensure that drains are kept clean to avoid blockage of waterways and channels.
She warned those living in flood plains and river banks to as a matter of urgency prepare to relocate to safer and higher grounds.
Saidu explained that “this is because there is a strong sign that the water level along River Niger is rising and this will consequently raise the water level along its tributaries.
”This will therefore lead to an overflow of water on the riverbanks and that will have a significant impact on the settlement around the rivers,” Saidu stated.
The NEMA official cautioned that prevention is however the best form of remedy for disasters worldwide.
”This is why the people must take responsibility to heed these warnings in order to save their lives and properties,” she said.
