The Federal Government has forecasted heavy rainfall over a five-day period in 21 states and 123 locations, potentially leading to significant flooding.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, issued the alert on Thursday, urging residents of the affected areas to take precautionary measures.
According to the forecast, the heavy rains are expected to occur from September 4 to 8, 2024, with communities downstream of the River Benue advised to evacuate immediately due to rising water levels.
States at high risk include Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi, Kogi, Borno, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kwara, Jigawa, Oyo, Kaduna, Edo, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. Major towns and cities within these states, such as Makurdi, Maiduguri, Gombe, and Katsina, are also on high alert.
Authorities stressed the need for vigilance, particularly in low-lying areas and communities along the River Benue.
