27 states at risk of flash flooding, NiMet warns

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a flash flood risk alert for 27 states between July 1-10, warning that saturated soils from June’s heavy rainfall could trigger widespread flooding as the country enters peak rainy season.

Nigerians in 27 states should brace for possible flash flooding over the next few days.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has warned of a flash flood risk alert for the first dekad of July, covering July 1 to 10, cautioning that widespread rainfall expected during the period could trigger flooding as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.

In its advisory, NiMET, as reported by The Punch, attributed the heightened risk to persistent rainfall recorded throughout June, which has left soils across much of the country heavily saturated and unable to absorb additional precipitation.

“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall,” the Sunday statement read. “As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal, and poorly drained areas.”

According to the agency, states likely to experience flash flooding during the period include Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

NiMET warned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could have far-reaching consequences for transportation, public utilities, agriculture, infrastructure and public health.