Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warns that 13 states face flooding this year

NIGERIA is facing the prospect of environmentally challenging times over the coming months as 13 of her 36 states have been forecast to suffer from severe flooding by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (Nihsa).

Traditionally, Nigeria's rainy season lasts from the start of May until the end of October but because there are no provisions in place for the rains, it creates havoc. There are no special reservoirs, drains of dams that collect the excess rainwater, so the streets in many cities get flooded, rivers overflow their banks and severe damage is done.

Clement Nze, the Nihsa director-general, has sounded the alarm that more flooding should be expected, warning 13 states in the country to be on the alert against a rise in the water levels of the rivers Niger and Benue. He listed Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states as those that will  experience flooding.

Mr Nze said Nigeria was on flood red alert, adding that the flood sighted in Niger Republic was expected to arrive at the Nigerian border through Kebbi State yesterday. He warned that water from six of the nine countries that make up the Niger Basin Authority was pouring into the country and could lead to severe flooding in the affected states.