NiMeT Predicts Severe Rainfall In Bauchi, Gombe, Others

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) has predicted above-normal rainfall in Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and other states between August and October 2022.

Speaking to journalists, In Abuja yesterday, the Director-General, NiMet, Mansur Matazu, said the above-normal rainfall conditions were foreseen over the northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi and Gombe, as well as Kaduna and Adamawa States.

He said: “Normal to above-normal rainfall conditions are expected over most parts of the South-Western states, including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, much of Oyo, Ondo, parts of Ekiti, and Edo.

“Normal rainfall conditions are expected in the central states, most of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, parts of Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo.

READ: Bauchi Sensitises Communities Against Flooding As NiMET Released Predictions

“Normal to below-normal conditions are expected over the South-South and the inland states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.”

Matazu noted that NiMET was conscious of the recent destruction prompted by the heavy rainfall in some states. The agency had earlier predicted high-intensity rainfall across Nigerian states.

The director added that the role of the agency in flood management, inflicted by heavy rains, was to guarantee continuous observation and monitoring of rainfall events across the country.

He further assured the agency’s commitment to carrying out the forecasting of rainfall events on different time scales and lead times.

“Our role is also to ensure the provision of early warning products and services, timely dissemination of vital information and advisory services on weather and climate-related events,” he stated.

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According to him, the agency also undertakes a constructive engagement with all appropriate stakeholders for adequate uptake and utilisation of weather, water and climate information.

READ: Ashaka Gari — Gombe Village Left To Suffer Amid Destructive Flooding

“State and National Emergency Management Agencies should intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms,” Matazu said. “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 in the high-risk areas.”

“Measures to prevent mudslide disasters by relevant authorities, especially in the South-East, are advised to be put in place. People should heed other advisories by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and National Emergency Management Agency,” he added.

Consequences 

The deteriorating impact of flooding has increased in the last three decades,  a study shows, leading to irreversible loss of lives and properties, especially in the urban setting.

However, there are no detailed statistics as to the exact losses sustained by the urban dwellers and flood victims, innumerable places have been collapsed by flooding, including houses, schools, markets, farmlands, and sometimes, bridges.

READ: Bauchi Drivers Decry Spending Extra Hours Going To Gombe After Flood Washed Culverts

The devastating impact of floods is not limited to people. Livestock is sometimes lost.

Flooding also results in environmental degradation of the environment, spreading infestations and polluting soil and water. This can further result in soil infertility through leaching and erosion of rich topsoil. Health-wise, flooding can cause water-borne diseases including diarrhoea.

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