TheNewsGuru

Tag: Flood

  • NIHSA issues flood alert for 32 States, 832 communities

    NIHSA issues flood alert for 32 States, 832 communities

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a fresh flood alert for 198 LGAs across 32 states and the FCT. The agency warned of high to very high flood risks between Aug. 7 and Aug. 21.

    The alert, with reference No: 32-25-003-06, was issued by NIHSA Director General,  Mr Umar Ibrahim on Thursday, following rising river levels and persistent rainfall across the country.

    NIHSA warned that over 100 communities and major transportation routes may experience severe disruptions during the forecast period.

    The affected states include; Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, and Nasarawa.

    Others are: Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

    According to the agency, a total of 198 LGAs and 832 communities fall within the projected flood impact zone.

    “Possible disruption of major transportation routes is anticipated,” NIHSA stated, citing data from its colour-coded flood risk map.

    The agency urged emergency management stakeholders to activate their response protocols and advised that evacuation plans be put in place for communities at risk.

    NIHSA also encouraged residents and stakeholders to follow its weekly state-level and community-specific forecasts, and to stay informed via the NIHSA flood dashboard and official social media platforms.

    The alert is part of NIHSA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the growing impact of seasonal flooding, which continues to displace thousands and damage infrastructure annually.

    For more information and real-time updates, members of the public are advised to visit www.nihsa.gov.ng or scan the QR code featured on the official alert.

  • Lagos govt opens up on Ikorodu flooding

    Lagos govt opens up on Ikorodu flooding

    The Lagos State Government has visited the affected communities in Ikorodu in response to the flash flooding caused by more than 13 hours of intense rainfall.

    The state government, during the visit, assured the affected residents of expedited efforts to complete critical drainage infrastructure in the area.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kunle Adeshina, the Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, on Thursday, in Lagos.

    Adeshina said the visit, which was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, included a high-powered delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Special Duties, and other key agencies.

    He added that the officials undertook an on-the-ground inspection of the affected areas.

    Speaking to journalists after the tour, Rotimi-Akodu emphasised that the flooding was as a result of a rare magnitude of rainfall intensified by climate change.

    “The effects of climate change are real. The type of rainfall experienced earlier this week is one that happens once in decades.

    “We are here to deliver Mr Governor’s message of sympathy and to assure residents that Lagos is not leaving them behind,” he said.

    Rotimi-Akodu said the ongoing Ikorodu drainage infrastructure projects are designed to address the area’s long-standing flooding issues.

    “When completed, these infrastructures will offer lasting solutions. We’re here to see how far work has gone, assess the damage, and determine immediate mitigation efforts,” he said.

    He urged residents to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours, especially in waste disposal.

    “We must stop dumping refuse into drains and encroaching on road infrastructure. These actions worsen flooding and jeopardise public safety,” he warned.

    The delegation also included officials from the Ministry of Special Duties, who conducted preliminary humanitarian needs assessments to determine appropriate interventions, particularly for affected communities such as Ijede, Gberigbe, One Fold, Gbopa, and Abule-Eko.

    Also on the tour was Hon. Abiodun Moshood, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu II Constituency, who clarified that the drainage project had not been abandoned, contrary to some public concerns.

    “This is a 12-month project flagged off six months ago. We are now entering the second phase. I’m confident it will bring permanent relief once completed,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, said his ministry is compiling data and damage reports to guide the state’s humanitarian response.

    “We’re gathering the facts to ensure no one is left behind in our intervention plans,” he added.

    Among those who joined the inspection were Mr Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Dr Femi Osayintolu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

    Also on the entourage included Mrs Margaret Adeseye, Director, Lagos State Fire Service,Mr Tunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA and directors from various ministries and state agencies.

    The sites visited included ongoing Outfall Channel construction for Gberigbe Road Project (One Fold axis), Palm Avenue Collector Drain at Oke-Eletu and communities across Ijede and Igbogbo, including Okeletu Road, Unity Estate, Gbopa, and Abule-Eko.

  • Flood wreaks havoc in Ogbaru community

    Flood wreaks havoc in Ogbaru community

    Flood has wreaked havoc in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra, destroying houses, property and farmlands.

    Ogbaru is a flood-prone community in Anambra, which has continually suffered devastation in the past years.

    The flooding followed persistent rainfall that caused the rise of the water level from the River Niger.

    A NAN correspondent who visited the area said that some residents were seen wading through the waters, while houses, farmlands, and private and public facilities were submerged.

    According to NAN, residents now paddle wooden canoes to their destinations, as the roads in the area have been submerged.

    When contacted, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Paul Odenigbo, disclosed that all the residents in water-prone areas were well sensitised about the impending flood that is expected this year.

    Odenigbo said that the state government had prepared a haven for those who would be affected by flooding, adding that personnel were on the ground to evacuate affected residents when the floods became unbearable.

    He noted that this was the early stage, and the water would continue to rise daily.

    “All water prone areas in Anambra were well sensitised about the flood situation, they are not taken unaware, and the agency is preparing its staff who work on the field to mitigate the flooding.

    “They are also getting the holding centres ready, by preparing them, fumigating them and preparing them for occupation by people who are going to be affected by the flood, it’s a normal thing at this stage,” he said.

    When asked if the people will not be adamant to evacuate to a haven, he explained that such resistance could happen with some residents, as the agency experiences it yearly.

    “The high water is not a new thing to them, they have been living with it year in, year out, it’s not the way you are seeing it, they are seeing it, when you tell them to go, they just laugh at you, because to them, nothing has happened.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Mr Felix Odumegwu, failed as he did not pick his phone calls nor respond to the text messages sent to his phone.

  • Flood: Benue Govt. sounds urgent alarm for residents to relocate

    Flood: Benue Govt. sounds urgent alarm for residents to relocate

    Following the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet)’s prediction of an impending flood in Benue, the state government has advised residents living along flood-prone areas to relocate to safer areas.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu, told NAN on Wednesday in Makurdi that government had also taken steps to mitigate the negative effects of the impending flood.

    Iorpuu said that the ministry and the committee on flood embarked on a series of enlightenment campaigns.

    The permanent secretary advised those residing on waterways to immediately relocate to safe areas.

    According to him, the government cleared all blocked drainages within the urban areas for easy flow of water.

    Iorpuu, who is also a member of the Technical Committee on Disaster Response in Nigeria, said the government also launched e-emergency platforms on how emergencies are reported, analysed, and responded to.

    He said the ministry had already written to the government requesting funds to take care of impending flood victims.

    Iorpuu, who is also the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, said the ongoing multi-billion naira Idye drainage was one of the proactive measures taken by government to mitigate the impact of flood.

    “I also want to use this platform again to appeal to Benue people to vacate flood-prone areas.

    “They know themselves. Year in year out, when there is a flood, they vacate, and when it is no more, they go back to their shelters along the river bank.

    “Some have built their houses on waterways; we are begging them to vacate such areas. You also see what the governor is doing within the state capital, building roads and water channels for free flow of water.

    “This flood is not only going to affect animals; it will affect human beings and farmlands, amongst others.

    “We need to change our attitude on waste management too. You saw what happened in Adamawa few weeks ago, so I am begging people to move to safe areas,” he said.

    The government had already earmarked camps for would-be Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Meanwhile, a Makurdi resident, Mr James Ejembi, told NAN that the only permanent solution to the problem was the dredging of River Benue and the completion of Kamshimbila Dam.

    Ejembi said that the dredging and completion of the dam would absorb the water that comes from Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon.

  • FLOOD CONTROL: DESOPADEC swings into action de-silts drains, conducts evacuation exercise in Jesse+Photos

    FLOOD CONTROL: DESOPADEC swings into action de-silts drains, conducts evacuation exercise in Jesse+Photos

    As part of its efforts to mitigate the impending flood disaster predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has embarked on a comprehensive exercise of de-silting canals and drains in its mandate areas, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. The exercise, which began on Thursday July 25th, 2025 is ongoing, with activities continuing in Jesse town on Monday August 4th, 2025.

    At the Ukuedejor/Police Station Road, a massive drain de-silting and evacuation of wastes exercise took place with the help of pay loaders and trucks stationed for the exercise. Residents expressed gratitude for the ongoing exercise, thanking Governor Oborevwori and the DESOPADEC Board for the timely intervention. A shop owner, Mrs. Esther Saturday recounted her experience during rainfall.

    “I want to thank Governor Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for this exercise. Whenever it rains, water covers everywhere, making it difficult for my customers to patronize me. But now, I’m very happy because my customers will be able to come and patronize me easily. It’s a great relief,” she said.

    A Vulcanizer, Mr. Samuel Ajosere who has his shop situated in the area, while speaking with DESOPADEC Media also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the exercise saying, the DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Olorogun Bar. John Nani and the MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor truly care for the well-being of the people.

    As the exercise was underway, a heavy rainfall disrupted the operation, providing DESOPADEC media reporters with a clear understanding of the flood experienced by residents of Police Station Road. The rainfall also highlighted the trauma residents endured and the significance of DESOPADEC’s assistance.

    Other areas in Jesse where the de-silting exercise has taken place include Jesse Primary School Road; Akpaka Road; Olympia Road; Oyibo Dedegbo Road and Uyo Road. The exercise demonstrates DESOPADEC’s commitment to its mandate of bringing development and succor to the people in its areas of operation.

  • Zulum allays fears over Alau Dam flood

    Zulum allays fears over Alau Dam flood

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has allayed fears over the rising water level at Alau Dam, saying there is no cause for alarm.

    Zulum gave the assurance on Saturday after inspecting ongoing reconstruction work at the dam, located near Maiduguri.

    He acknowledged the widespread panic among Maiduguri residents but said the government did not foresee any devastating flooding from the dam.

    Zulum explained that a contractor had recently raised concern over rising water levels, prompting immediate government intervention in collaboration with the contractor.

    He said they mobilised 25 tongrains to address the situation, which is now under control, easing the risk of flooding.

    According to the governor, new water channels have been created and the dam’s water level has dropped by about four inches in recent days.

    He added that engineers expect the water level to continue falling, further reducing any immediate threat.

    “Based on current engineering analysis, there is no cause for alarm,” Zulum said.

    He, however, stressed the need for ongoing monitoring, acknowledging that future developments could change the situation unexpectedly.

    Zulum commended the contractor’s efforts, noting that some of the work done exceeded the contractual scope.

    He said the contractor had gone as far as blocking some waterways to create space for further work to continue.

    The governor warned residents in flood-prone areas against dumping waste into drainage channels in front of their homes.

    He also cautioned against building structures on natural waterways, which worsen flooding risks across Maiduguri.

    “I urge everyone to stop building on waterways and take flood warnings seriously,” Zulum said.

    He advised residents to always clear and maintain drainage systems around their houses to prevent blockages.

    Zulum said the government would review the city’s master plan to identify and correct past planning errors.

    “We must review the entire master plan to ensure all tributaries and waterways are cleared and functional,” he said.

    He added that the government would enforce strict environmental regulations, even if some decisions might be unpopular.

    Speaking on delays in reconstruction, Zulum attributed them to technical processes but confirmed the contractors had resumed work fully.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for approving ₦80 billion for the Alau Dam reconstruction project.

  • DESOPADEC chairman ,MD, EDP inspect on-going desilting exercise(Photos)

    DESOPADEC chairman ,MD, EDP inspect on-going desilting exercise(Photos)

    Chairman of the Board of DESOPADEC, Olorogun Bar. John Obukowho Nani alongside the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Chief Festus Ochonogor and the Executive Director of Projects, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu today 30th July, 2025 in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Delta State inspected the on-going de-silting exercise being carried out by the Commission to determine the extent of work done.

    The exercise aims to mitigate the impact of the impending flood as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

    The DESOPADEC team, accompanied by media reporters from major broadcast stations in the State commenced the inspection with a visit to the canal situated at Okere road where they expressed satisfaction with the work carried out at the canal as water was seen flowing smoothly without obstruction.

    A visibly happy resident, Madam Lizzy Ukpebitere expressed her gratitude to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for the intervention.

    “We’ve been going through a lot of pain due to heavy flooding but the clearing of the canal has brought us a major relief,” she said.

    The team thereafter inspected an ongoing canal de-silting work being carried out at Ajamimogha Link Road where a swamp buggy stationed at the canal was seen clearing the heavily silted canal which leads to the back of the Olu’s Palace.

    At Lower Erejuwa road, the team inspected a canal where a swamp buggy was clearing debris. However, the Chairman of the DESOPADEC Board, Bar. John Obukowho Nani expressed his disappointment with a resident who built a makeshift welding and fabrication shop beside the canal, making it difficult for the swamp buggy to properly clear off the waste. He therefore directed representatives of the State’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani to serve the owner an evacuation notice.

    The inspection team thereafter visited Warri/Sapele Road where an already cleaned canal by Aghogho Motors was inspected. They also visited Jesse where a massive blocked drains clearing exercise was underway.

    Areas inspected include Olympia Road, Akpaka Street, Inene Street, and Idhereaka.

    The Clan Otota of Idjerhe Kingdom, Chief Onosia James expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and DESOPADEC Board for the exercise.

    “We’ll set up a task force to apprehend those who dump waste indiscriminately,” he promised.

    The team also inspected an ongoing canal de-silting work at New road in Sapele Local Government Area. A swamp buggy was stationed there, clearing a heavily silted canal that leads to One Man Village, Sapele Clinic, Ojotu, Uruahkpa, Otorn, and finally discharges at the River Ethiope.

    Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, Bar. Nani said the exercise is a proactive effort by the State Government in conjunction with the Commission to mitigate the impact of flooding in the State.

    “We’re working tirelessly to clear clogged drainages and culverts to ensure free flow of water. We urge residents to cooperate with us by averting indiscriminate dumping of wastes in waterways and building of structures on floodplains,” Bar. Nani advised.

    He further emphasized the existing laws and bye-laws that prohibit dumping wastes in waterways, stating that those who flout these laws will be prosecuted.

    To further mitigate the impact of flooding, Bar. Nani further advised the Federal Government to
    consider building buffer dams to regulate water flow to prevent flooding in communities.

    The exercise is expected to cover various communities, including Warri, Effurun, Udu, Ughelli, Sapele, Isoko, Ndokwa, and others.

  • Flood ravages Maiduguri communities after 3-hour downpour

    Flood ravages Maiduguri communities after 3-hour downpour

    Some part of Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno on Wednesday submerged after a heavy downpour that lasted for more than three hours, leaving many families homeless.

    The situation has already crippled vehicular movement in many areas due to flooding.

    A correspondent who went round the metropolis reports that worst hit areas  include Moro-Moro, Damboa Road, Customs, Bulumkutu, Dubai along Maimalari Barracks, and Pompomari By-pass.

    The residents were seen  struggling to salvage their belongings as floodwaters took over the streets and flowed into houses, leaving behind scenes of destruction.

    “We did not expect anything like this,” said Ibrahim Goni, a resident of Moro-Moro. Our drainage systems are completely blocked, and water from the roads just flowed straight into our homes. Many people have lost their properties.”

    In the Bulumkutu axis, residents used planks and tyres  to cross the flooded roads.

    Aisha Hassan, a trader, said her shop was submerged with most of her goods destroyed.

    “It rained non-stop for over three hours. Water started entering our houses before we could pack our things. Women are crying because of their foodstuffs,  clothing and other items that were washed away,” she said.

    At the Pompomari By-pass, a major road linking several communities in the city, commercial vehicles and tricycles were forced to abandon the route due to high level of waters.

    Motorists and pedestrians were seen wading through knee-deep water while some residents created barricades to redirect the flood waters away from their homes.

    In his reaction, Mr Sirajo Aliyu, the Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the agency was working in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), and other relevant agencies to assess the damage in the affected communities.

    He said the State Committee on the Prevention of Flood had been notified and had so far carried out initial assessments in the affected locations.

    “We have received reports from several flashpoints across Maiduguri, and we have already mobilised response teams. We have visited some areas around Moro- Moro along Customs,” Sirajo said.

    He said that his team were currently at Alau Dam, accessing the level of waters at the Dam.

  • Speaker Abbas sad over Niger boat mishap, Adamawa flood victims, seeks relief

    Speaker Abbas sad over Niger boat mishap, Adamawa flood victims, seeks relief

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has mourned victims of the boat mishap in Niger State and flooding in Adamawa State, which led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

    In Niger State, about 15 passengers reportedly died in a boat mishap that occurred in Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area, on Saturday. The boat, which was carrying 43 passengers, 60 bags of paddy rice, three cows, and two rams, was said to be on its way to the Zumba weekly market when it struck a tree and capsized.

    In another incident, five people were reportedly killed, over 50 others injured, and many displaced following a flood that swept through several communities in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.

    The Speaker, in his reaction to the incidents, lamented the fate of the victims, especially as these were natural disasters.

    Speaker Abbas condoled families of the deceased, people of the affected communities, and the governments of Niger and Adamawa States.

    While seeking intervention and relief from relevant public and private bodies, the Speaker prayed to Allah (SWT) to forestall a recurrence.

  • NiMet forecasts rain, thunderstorms, flash floods nationwide

    NiMet forecasts rain, thunderstorms, flash floods nationwide

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted rainy and thundery weather conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.

    NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, predicted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall on Monday morning over parts of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina States in the northern region.

    “The remaining parts of the region are expected to experience sunny conditions with patches of cloud.

    “Thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States,” the agency stated.

    “However, there are chances of flash floods occurring over parts of Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano States during the forecast period.”

    It said in the central region, cloudy skies are anticipated in the morning, with light to moderate rainfall expected in parts of Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa States.

    “Later in the day, rains are expected in Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Kogi, Benue, and Niger States.”

    NiMet also noted a high risk of flash flooding in parts of Plateau State.

    For the southern region, cloudy skies would be expected in the morning, with light to moderate rainfall predicted in parts of Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

    On Tuesday, sunny skies with patches of clouds would be expected over the northern region.

    The agency said thunderstorms with moderate rain were anticipated in the morning over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano States.

    According to NiMet, later in the day, thunderstorms and rain are forecast over Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.

    “In the central region, light to moderate morning rain is expected over Niger, Benue, FCT, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa States, with moderate rainfall anticipated in Plateau, Niger, FCT, Kwara, Kogi, and Nasarawa later in the day.

    “Over the southern region, cloudy skies are forecast in the morning, with a chance of rain in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

    “In the afternoon and evening, moderate rainfall is expected across Abia, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States.”

    On Wednesday, the northern region would be expected to see sunny skies with patches of clouds.

    “Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States.

    “Thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected later in the day in Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.

    “The central region will experience cloudy skies with chances of morning thunderstorms and rain in Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa States. Moderate rainfall is expected later in the afternoon and evening in the FCT, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Nasarawa States.”

    According to NiMet, in the southern region, morning rains are forecast in Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States, with cloudy skies expected elsewhere.

    “During the afternoon and evening, moderate to heavy rains are likely across Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.”

    NiMet warned that states at risk of flash floods should activate emergency response systems.

    It advised the public to avoid driving during heavy rains, ensure vulnerable individuals dress warmly due to low night-time temperatures, and take precautions against strong winds that might precede thunderstorms.

    “Ensure that loose objects are fastened to prevent damage. Disconnect electrical appliances during storms and avoid sheltering under tall trees,” the agency advised.

    NiMet also urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from its offices for effective planning.

    Residents were encouraged to stay informed through regular weather updates available on the agency’s website: www.nimet.gov.ng.