The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has urged Nigerians to prepare for heavy rainfall in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It, therefore, warned intending road and air travellers to reconsider their plans to commute to the affected states.
The agency said heavy rainfall was expected in parts of Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Benue and the FCT between July 31 and August 1, while moderate to heavy rainfall was expected over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
In its impact-based weather forecast for July 30, 31 and August 1, NiMet said the states were at risk of experiencing flooding of roads, low-lying settlements, streams and river channels.
It also said flight operations could be disrupted due to poor visibility.
Several lives and property have been lost to the devastating effect of flooding from heavy rains in different parts of the country.
On July 23, at least 19 persons were confirmed dead in Kano after the vehicle they were travelling in was said to have been swept away in the Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.
On Wednesday, several farmlands, including 150 hectares of rice farm, bridges and culverts were reported to have been destroyed by flood in some villages in the Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Also, heavy rains on July 15 had left many residents of Lagos stranded as flood ravaged different parts of the state.
However, the NiMet forecast dated July 29, 2021, read in part, “During the forecast period, heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Benue and the FCT.
“Furthermore, there are chances of moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. However, light rains are expected over the rest of the country.
“As a result of the heavy rainfall expected and the presence of a good amount of soil moisture over most places in the next three days, there are chances of flooding of roads, low-lying settlements, streams and river channels.”
It added, “Also, disruption of traffic due to flooded or closed roads, reduction in visibility, delay in flight operations, damage to mud houses and makeshift structures, possible damage to roads and bridges.
“Thus, the public is advised to exercise restraint and wait till after the rains to commute, emergency agencies are to be prepared and keep monitoring, avoid low-level areas and fast-flowing runoff waters. Hence, the public is advised to be prepared for these events to avoid damage from rain-related hazard. Elsewhere, no hydrometeorological hazards are anticipated.”
