Tag: NiMet

NiMet predicts 3-day heavy, moderate rainfall in states

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has revealed that most Nigerian states would witness moderate and heavy rainfall between Friday and Sunday.

NiMet also forecasted that there might be strong winds in 11 states across the federation within the three days of low, moderate and high rainfall.

The impact-based weather forecast, which was signed by Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, NiMet, said that the moderate to heavy rainfall are likely to affect parts of Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Niger, Adamawa, Borno, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo and Abia states today.

The agency also said that during the forecast period (0000 – 2359hrs, Friday 20th July), low to moderate rainfall are expected over Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Cross River, Enugu, Anambra and Taraba states.

Matazu, however, said that the moderate to heavy rainfall was not expected to cause hazard to the public or the motorists within the period.

According to NiMet, for Saturday, there are also chances of moderate to heavy rainfall from 0000 – 2359hrs in some parts of Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger and Taraba states.

It also said that low to moderate rainfall should be expected over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, Borno, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
“During the forecast period of 24 hours no hazard is expected,” the statement said.

For Sunday, Matazu said that during the forecast period, 0000 – 2359hrs, there are good chances of heavy rainfall especially over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

While moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated over Lagos, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Abia, Ebonyi, Taraba, Zamfara, Kano and Plateau states.

The statement added: “On Saturday, 22nd July (0000 – 2359hrs), there is little or no chance of temperature-related hazards across the country due to the low to moderate temperatures that are anticipated.

July 21, 2023
NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, thunderstorms from Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms from Monday to Tuesday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, predicted sunny atmosphere on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states.

“Later in the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa states.

“Cloudy atmosphere with spells of sunshine is expected over the North central region with thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Benue states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states,” it said.

According to it, cloudy skies are expected over inland states of South and Coastal states with prospects of moderate rains to parts of Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

NiMet forecasts moderate rains accompanied with thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny skies on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto states.

“Further into the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Adamawa and Taraba states.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.

NiMet envisages cloudy skies over Inland states of South and coastal states with moderate rains to parts of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Delta and Akwa Ibom states in the morning hours.

It anticipates moderate rains with thunderstorms over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Awka, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states later in the day.

The agency predicts patches of clouds on Wednesday with intervals of sunshine over the Northern region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi and Kaduna states in the morning hours.

“Further into the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Benue states in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, rains accompanied by thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.

NiMet predicts cloudy skies over inland states of South and coastal areas with prospects of morning intermittent rains over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Rivers, Cross River and Awka Ibom states in the morning hours.

It forecasts intermittent rains over parts of Osun, Edo, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross river, Rivers and Delta states later in the day.

“For areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled, so the public is advised to be cautious.

“Stay in-doors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning. All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. The public is advised to take necessary caution like clearing drainages,” it said.

According to the agency, disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

July 17, 2023
NiMet releases 3 days weather outlook

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness across the nation from Friday to Sunday.

NiMet weather outlook, released on Thursday in Abuja, predicted sunny atmosphere on Friday with patches of clouds over the northern region and early morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.

According to NiMet, prospects of thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with spells of sunshine is envisaged over the North central region with prospects of early morning rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and Niger states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over Inland states of the South and coastal cities with prospects of early morning rains over coastal cities. Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.

NiMet forecast sunny skies on Saturday with patches of clouds over the northern region and early morning thunderstorms over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa states.

It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Borno and Adamawa states later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of morning rains over parts of the Niger and Kwara states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over parts of The Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger states.

“Cloudy skies are expected over inland states of the South and the coastal states with prospects of morning rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” it said.

NiMet anticipated prospect of thunderstorms and intermittent rains over the entire region later in the day.

The agency envisaged sunny skies on Sunday with patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of thunderstorms over the entire region during the afternoon and evening hours of the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of thunderstorms with intermittent rains expected over the entire region during the afternoon/evening hours of the day.

“Cloudy skies are expected over the inland of the South and the Coastal areas with prospects, thunderstorms with intermittent rains expected over the entire region during the afternoon and evening hours of the day,” it said.

According to NiMet, for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled, and the public is advised to be cautious.

It advised people to stay indoors, especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood, and the public is advised to take necessary caution by clearing drainages.

“Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season.”

July 14, 2023
Five things to do if you live in a flood-prone area
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has issued a warning that Nigeria is likely to experience severe flooding in 2023, as indicated by predictions from responsible agencies.

During a recent experts’ technical training on climate disaster preparedness in Abuja, Ahmed emphasised the importance of acting upon the seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlook released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The flooding about a week ago in Trademore Estate located in Abuja, has served as a wake-up call for residents to take preventive measures to mitigate the impact of floods and ensure their safety.

In response to this urgent need, here are five essential steps that residents can follow to prevent flooding and protect their lives and properties:
1. Proper Waste Disposal: Residents should prioritize proper waste disposal by utilizing designated trash cans and recycling bins. It is crucial to avoid throwing trash into drainage systems or water bodies, as this can obstruct the flow of water during heavy rains and worsen flooding.
2. Maintain Drainage Systems: Regularly inspect and clean gutters, ditches, and drainages to remove any debris or blockages and minimise the risk of flooding.
3. Rainwater Harvesting/Installation of Sump Pumps: Install rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for future use. Additionally, residents in low-lying areas can install sump pumps, which help pump out excess water during flood situations.
4. Secure Valuables: Safeguard important documents and valuable possessions by storing them in waterproof containers or placing them on high shelves.
5. Create Emergency Plans: Keep track of weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities and develop an emergency plan with family members to establish evacuation routes and designated meeting points in case of flooding.
July 3, 2023
NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, sunshine

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Saturday to Monday across the nation.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja anticipates cloudy atmosphere on Saturday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region.

The agency forecast chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba states.

“Later in the day, prospects of thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Taraba, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi and Kaduna states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over the North central region with prospects of intermittent rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Kwara states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states,” it said.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over parts of the inland states of the South and the coastal cities in the morning with prospects of rain over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Lagos, Delta and Bayelsa states.

NiMet envisages thunderstorms with intermittent rains over parts of Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states later in the day.

The agency anticipated cloudy atmosphere on Sunday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba states.

It forecast thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Borno states in the afternoon and evening hours.

Cloudy morning is anticipated for the North central region, while there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kogi states in the afternoon and evening hours.

Cloudy morning is also expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal areas with chances of intermittent rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

NiMet predicted thunderstorms with intermittent rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

The agency envisaged sunny skies on Monday with few patches of clouds over the northern region with Prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Borno states.

It stated that later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Taraba and Adamawa states.

Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and Plateau states later in the day.

It said Cloudy skies are expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal areas with chances of intermittent rains over Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

NiMet predicted thunderstorms with intermittent rains over parts of Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, Imo and Abia states later in the day.

According to it, for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede rains.

NiMet advised the public to stay indoors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning as the trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings might be felled.

It advised all Airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. The Public is advised to take necessary caution.

The agency advised Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals to be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season.

July 1, 2023
Nigeria’s looming floods expose failures in control projects

Despite proactive preparations for potential floods in 2023, an alarming number of Nigerian states have failed to prioritize the implementation of crucial flood and erosion control projects, leaving them alarmingly vulnerable to the devastating impact of this year’s impending flood.

The destructive flood that hit Nigeria in 2022 had catastrophic consequences, leading to 665 deaths, displacing over two million Nigerians, and causing trillions of Naira worth of property damage.

The agriculture and construction sectors were among the most vulnerable, with substantial financial losses, which experts estimated at over N4.2 trillion.

Despite the alarming forecast for this year by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the lessons from the previous year, some states have yet to undertake flood and erosion control projects, as Dataphyte’s review of the budget implementation reports indicated.

Source: NEMA

Although many states had allocated funds for flood and erosion control in their 2023 budgets, the review of their Budget Implementation Reports revealed that several states did not initiate any such projects during the first quarter.

State governments also bear a significant responsibility in mitigating the impact of floods, but despite allocating funds for flood and erosion control projects in their 2023 budgets, many states failed to implement these projects in the first quarter, including those at high risk of floods like Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers and Rivers states.

“Starting in March, coastal areas in the South-South, particularly Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers State, will experience downpours; Southern Inland cities will see precipitation in April, while central states will see rain in May”, the NiMET predicted.

Notably, Oyo State allocated the highest budget of N16.29 billion, followed by Bayelsa State with N10.65 billion. Other states like Nasarawa, Niger, and Edo also dedicated at least N2 billion for flood and erosion control.

Surprisingly, Jigawa State, which was severely affected by the 2022 flood, did not rank among the top five states with the highest budget allocation for flood and erosion control.

Further analysis of the budget implementation reports revealed that Delta State demonstrated the highest level of performance in implementing its annual flood and erosion control budget during the first quarter, reaching 58.21 per cent.

Abia State followed with 32.84 per cent implementation, while Jigawa and Ekiti States exceeded 20 per cent. Edo State had the lowest performance, closely followed by Bayelsa State.

Out of a total of 27 states that allocated funds for flood and erosion control in their 2023 budgets, 18 states reported zero implementation during the given period. This raises concerns about their preparedness to address the potential impact of floods this year.

Furthermore, nine states, namely Akwa-Ibom, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, and Yobe, did not allocate any funds for flood and erosion control in their 2023 budgets, despite experiencing the devastating effects of floods in the previous year.

The absence of budgetary provisions and the failure to implement flood and erosion control projects in these states demonstrates a concerning oversight and suggest a lack of prioritization for disaster preparedness.

In response to these concerning findings, the team lead of Triple Green Environmental Development Foundation (TGED Foundation), Oluwaseyi Ebenezer emphasised that the absence of any flood and erosion control projects indicates a lack of preparedness by the states to address the potential recurrence of the 2022 disaster.

Ebenezer stressed the need for states to take proactive measures and not wait for disasters to strike before acting and urged states to initiate early actions to avert losses and damages, particularly in light of NEMA’s warning of more severe flooding prediction this year.

While government efforts are crucial, the commitment and proactive actions of individuals and communities are equally essential in mitigating the impact of floods.

Responsible waste disposal, avoiding construction in floodplains, and protecting natural waterways are crucial steps individuals can take to contribute to flood mitigation efforts.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also advised residents of riverine and flood-prone communities across the country to relocate to higher grounds before the onset of flooding this year.

Farmers in flood-prone regions have also been urged to heed the early warning forecasts and adjust their planting and harvesting schedules accordingly, by farming early and harvesting before the peak of flooding, to safeguard their crops and livelihoods from potential losses.

In a plea to the Federal Government, the Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has urgently called for the dredging of the River Niger as a long-term and definitive solution to the recurring floods plaguing various parts of the country.

July 1, 2023
NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, thunderstorms

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outcome released on Sunday in Abuja anticipated cloudy atmosphere on Monday with intervals of sunshine over the Northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Kebbi.

According to the agency, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over the North central region with prospects of morning rains and drizzles over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue.”

NiMet also forecast thunderstorms and intermittent rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over parts of Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

“ Intermittent rains are expected over the region during the afternoon to evening hours, “ it said.

According to NiMet, sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds is expected over the northern region on Tuesday morning.

It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna State later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospect of morning rains over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Kwara.

“ Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over parts of Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States.

“ Cloudy skies are expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross River, “ it added.

Similarly, the agency anticipated intermittent rains across the region later the day.

On Wednesday, NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa.

“Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States during the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms and intermittent rains over parts of Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kwara, Benue and Kogi state later in the day.

“Cloudy skies are also expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states.“

The agency envisaged intermittent rains over the region later in the day.

According to NiMet, in areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may collapse.

“ So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay indoors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“ All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. Public is advised to take necessary caution. Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season, “ it said. (NAN)

June 26, 2023
NiMet predicts 3-day cloud, thunderstorms from Friday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather and thunderstorms between Friday and Sunday across the country.

This is according to the NiMet`s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja which forecasted a cloudy atmosphere in the northern region with prospects of thunderstorms.

” Some of the States expected to be affected by the climatic change were Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states”

NiMet noted that the prospects of thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Gombe, Jigawa and Taraba states later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of morning rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms was anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara and Plateau states.”

“Intermittent rainfall is expected in some parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Delta states during the forecast period” it added.

The agency has envisaged thunderstorms over the entire region in the afternoon and evening.

“Cloudy morning is anticipated for the North central region with prospects of rains over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory”

“ Intermittent rain is also anticipated over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Delta states within the forecast period, “ it said.

NiMet predicted sunny skies on Sunday with few patches of clouds over the northern region with chances of a few thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Borno and Gombe States in the morning hours.

According to it, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region in the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region in the morning with prospects of rains over parts of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau.

“ There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory in the afternoon/evening hours.

“Intermittent rains are expected over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Delta within the forecast period, “ it said.

According to NiMet, for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled, so the public is advised to be cautious.

It further advised the public to stay in-door especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. The public is advised to take necessary caution”

“Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season” it added.

June 23, 2023
NEMA deploys experts to States to handle flood prediction

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that experts from its agency will be deployed to all the states of the federation to downscale early warning messages.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, made the disclosure during the flag-off of early warning measures to stakeholders in Uyo on Wednesday Akwa Ibom.

Ahmed said the agency would work in partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

He expressed confident that the initiative would enable all actors take risk informed decisions against future flood occurrence, support disaster risk management and engender sustainable socio- economic growth in Nigeria.

“I am happy that we are here with experts from NIHSA and NiMet to support this initiative of the downscaling of disaster early warning measures to grassroots for effective life-saving early actions during the rainy season.

“Subsequently, we are deploying some experts from NEMA, NiMet and NIHSA to all the states of the federation and the FCT to downscale and take the early warning message to all the relevant end users across socio-economic sectors,” Ahmed said.

The DG said that the agency had written to all the state governors to draw their attention to imminent floods and associated secondary hazards during the rainy season to avoid 2022 flood disaster.

The director general commended Akwa Ibom Government for the collaboration with the agency to ensure effective flood disaster management.

“We are flagging off this event here in Uyo in consideration of the existing mutual support and collaboration between NEMA and the Akwa Ibom government.

“I am glad to announce that we have gone a long way in the process of setting up NEMA Operations Office here in Uyo to advance a new vista of collaboration and to take disaster risk management to the next level,” he said.

In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno, of Akwa Ibom, who flagged-off the early warning measures in the state, promised to sustain the good working relationship with NEMA, already started by the previous administration of the state.

“Previous administration have established good working relationship with NEMA; we will continue to build on that to prevent any future flood disaster in our state,” Eno said.

In his remarks, Prof. Mansur Matazu, Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) said early warnings must be matched by early action to avoid disasters and losses.

Matazu called on states to promote inter-agency collaborations for actualising early action for disasters risk preparedness and reduction.

He pledged that the NiMET would continue to invest in the production of early warnings that were timely, reliable and actionable.

June 21, 2023
NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, thunderstorms from Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms from Monday till Wednesday across the country.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted cloudy atmosphere on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region, with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba states.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa, Gombe and Kebbi States later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is envisaged over the North central region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over the entire region.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over parts of inland states of South and coastal cities in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states,” it said.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny atmosphere on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region and prospect of morning thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa state.

It predicted thunderstorms over parts of Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba stated later in the day and thunderstorms over parts of Nasarawa and Kogi states.

“Later in the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Kogi states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal areas with chances of thunderstorms over Imo, Enugu,Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Lagos later of the day.

“Few patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kaduna and Jigawa states,” it said.

The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day.

It forecast cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals over the North central region in the morning hours.

The agency anticipated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Plateau states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the Inland states of the South and the Coastal areas with chances of thunderstorms over Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states in the morning hours.

“In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are anticipated over the entire region,” it said.

According to NiMet, for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled.

“So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay in-door especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. Public is advised to take necessary caution.

“Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season.

June 19, 2023