The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Wednesday warned that 12 states might experience high flood this year.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Moses Beckley, gave the warning at the presentation of the 2015 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja.
Commenting on the highlight of the report, Beckley listed the states as
Niger,
Delta,
Bayelsa,
Rivers,
Anambra,
Taraba,
Nasarawa,
Kebbi,
Sokoto,
Adamawa,
Kogi and
Benue.
Beckley said probable risks areas in the country had been classified into: High Risk, Medium Risk and Low Risk Flood areas.
He listed the River Basins of Sokoto-Rima, Niger-Benue and Anambra as those that might experience high flooding.
Beckley also said local areas in Shinkafi, Biase, Chikum, Munya, Bukuru, Bonny, Etiosa among others might experience moderate flooding.
The director-general said that Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Lagos States are expected to experience coastal flooding due to the rise in sea level and tidal surge.
He urged Nigerians to put in place responsive measures that would help in reducing flood hazards.
According to Beckley, the call was necessary because human activities are majorly responsible for recurrent flood in the country.
He said: “Indiscriminate dumping of refuse, deforestation and poor drainage systems have devastating effect on the environment.
“Natural disasters are becoming more common all over the world.
“Eighty per cent of these disasters are water-related.
“This can be linked to the effect of climate change.
“It is a reality and we can’t reverse it.
“That is why we must do all we can, through attitudinal changes and measures in place to help in reducing flooding hazards.”
Beckley said the devastating effect of flooding would greatly affect socio-economic development.
The director-general said with timely and proper responses, Nigerians do not need to worry about the rains.
He recommended that all stakeholders should begin immediate public enlightenment on the need to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and waste.
Beckley also urged all stakeholders to begin immediate maintenance of hydrological structures in the country, saying this would go a long way to reduce disaster risk.
He also called for the immediate evacuation and relocation of people living in the flood-prone areas and waterways to further mitigate against any eventuality.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Metrological Agency, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, commended NIHSA on the report.
Anuforo, said this would go a long way to educate Nigerians on what to expect during the rainy season.
Anuforom said NIMET had made it a point of duty to educate Nigerians on weather forecast through its Seasonal Rainfall Predictions.
He urged Nigerians to embark on disaster risk reduction measures to make the country safe for all.
In his remark, Istifanus Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, said the report was drawn in partnership with NIMET’s SRP and a long historical record of hydrological data.
Musa, represented by Joe Kwanashe, Director of Irrigation and Drainage, said through sensitisation and early warning campaigns, there would be a reduction in loss of lives and property to flood.
Musa urged Nigerians to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to put in place measures to protect the environment, saying that government could not do it alone.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Annual Flood Outlook provides flood forecasts and advice on precautionary measures on probable or critical flood zones.
NAN.
CLICK HERE to follow us on Google+ so as to get instant updates on published posts.
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our BBM Channel (C002D3966 or search for '9ja Ninja') to get live updates on published post.
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our BBM Channel (C002D3966 or search for '9ja Ninja') to get live updates on published post.
Follow @9ja_Ninja
Please drop your comments below
Top Stories (Scroll Down To See Related Posts)
- TRENDING VIDEO: Simi – “Jamb Question” Starring Falz The Bad Guy | DOWNLOAD
- Tambuwal Visits Hospital At 2AM, Catches Staffs Unaware
- El Rufai's Wife Turns 55, Marks It With Private Birthday Party (Photos)
- Naira Depreciates Heavily Against Major Currencies
- 50Cent Signs US-born Nigerian Singer & Actor Rotimi Akinosho To G.Unit
- DAMN!! See What A Young Girl Did To Her Dad's Car for Father's Day
- Nicki Minaj & Meek Mill Loved Up In New Photos
- PHOTOS: Atiku Shows Off His 4 Beautiful Daughters
- Lagos Boyfriend Inserts Pepper Into Lover’s Private Part (Photos)
- Second Lekki-Epe Expressway Will Be Toll-Free - Ambode
- Amber Rose Gets Rid of Wiz Khalifa Arm Tattoo (Photos)
- Atiku Abubakar Affirms Loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari
- Diana Ross Wows In White Dress At Daughter Chudney’s Wedding
- Breaking News: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Are Expecting a Son
- DJ Cuppy Releases House of Cuppy II (Download)
- Paul Walker's Daughter Shares Touching Tribute Pic in Honor of Father's Day
- Odianosen Okojie: How I Met My Wife (Mercy Johnson) & Why I Don’t Watch Her Movies
- Amaechi Responds To Probe Reports: Says "Wike Should Move To Nollywood"
- Meet The Top 10 Young Richest Filipino Celebrities & How Much They Are Worth
- Update: Buhari’s First Day In Aso Rock
- President Muhammadu Buhari: "Nigeria’s Treasury Virtually Empty"
No comments :
Post a Comment
News/Tip Off/Advert, Email: 9janinja9@gmail.com