The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, has issued heavy flood alerts in two local governments in Kwara State between July and November of this year.
Head of NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Niger State, Hajia Zeinab Saidu, said 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 by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) which was released early this year.
Saidu advised residents of the state in all indicated regions to keep drains clean in order to minimize obstruction of rivers and channels.
She further warned those who are living in floodplains and river banks to as a matter of urgency prepare to relocate to safer and higher grounds.
“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.
Saidu added 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.
“This is why the people must take responsibility to heed these warnings in order to save their lives and properties,” she concluded.