2023 Forecast: Many states risk worse flooding; low rainfall expected in FCT, 5 other states

Mr Ahmed said that Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Cross River were expected to record rainfall amounts of 2700mm and above.

He noted that based on the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), 66 local government areas are at high risk of flooding in the months of April to June.

Also, 148 LGAs would be at high risk of flooding in the months of July to September, the disaster management expert said, adding that 100 others in the months of October and November would encounter the same.

“In addition, a total of 41 LGAs fall within the moderate flood risk areas in the months of April to June; 199 LGAs in the months of July to September, and 72 LGAs in the months of October and November.

“This year’s forecast has indicated that there is a high risk of coastal flooding due to the expected rise in sea level and tidal surge that may negatively impact agriculture, human settlements and transportation in Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Rivers States.

“Flash and urban floods are also forecasted over many cities and towns due to poor drainage systems and the lack of compliance to town planning and environmental regulations,” he said.

The Director-General said that with the predicted forecast, the year may witness floods similar to what occurred last year, if not more.

According to Mr Ahmed, the Agency had written letters to the 36 state governments and the FCT administration to notify them of the LGAs’ risks and actions that are expected to be taken by them.

The agency, he said, also commenced public sensitisation on the need to heed early warnings by all Nigerians.

He advised Nigerians to imbibe attitudinal change towards disaster risk reduction and take all advisories released by relevant authorities seriously.