Director General of NiMET, Prof. Mansur Matazu while issuing the Agency’s weather forecast (August to October ASO Season 2022) in Abuja also listed
Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, Central Kebbi, Western Kaduna and parts of Kebbi states as medium risk flood areas.
He said “We ran what we call SPI analysis which determines the soil moisture because the soil moisture condition is a factor that influences the dryness or wetness of the soil. Over-dryness of the soil could lead to drought, while over-wetness of the soil could lead to flooding.
“The recent analysis we have carried out in the last 48 hours shows probable flood areas across the country.
“These are areas of high-level risk, they are central parts of Borno state, northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, central parts of Kaduna state with a portion of Bayelsa and Delta state.”
For rainfall prediction, northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna and Adamawa, are expected to experience “Above Normal” rainfall, while “Near to Above Normal” rainfall conditions are expected over parts of Southwestern states like Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Edo states.
Prof Matazu added that “Near Normal” rainfall conditions are expected across parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo states, while “Normal to Below Normal” conditions are expected over the South-south and inland states including Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states.
The Director General advised residents in these states to ensure that precautionary measures are in place to mitigate the possible flooding.
He also urged “States and National Emergency Agencies” to “intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms”.
“States that are expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes are advised to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities especially at the high risk areas.
“Measures to prevent mud slide disasters by relevant authorities especially in the South East are advised to be put in place,” he added.
