Editor
By Fatima Saka
The World Meteorological Organization has reaffirmed its dedication to aiding Nigeria in establishing a robust impact-based hydrological early warning system, to actively support the comprehensive implementation of the Global Hydrological Status Outlook (HydroSOS), introduced in 2022, and the upcoming launch of the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project later this year.
These initiatives will assist the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, in enhancing technical and human resource capacities for improved hydrological monitoring, database management, and early warning services, contributing to the UN Early Warning for ALL program on a global scale.
This commitment was conveyed in a goodwill message delivered by Mr. Bernard Gomez, the WMO representative for North, Central, and West Africa, during the unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) recently held in Abuja.
The AFO event was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, under the theme: “Advancing Data Analytics &Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security,” aimed at bolstering nationwide flood preparedness through timely warnings.
He further underscored the annual impact of floods on millions of individuals, leading to significant displacements and inundation of agricultural lands, posing a threat to food security, such calamities can result in severe damage to infrastructure, disruption of vital services, and displacement of families.
Through awareness and preparedness, Nigerians can actively mitigate the consequences of these natural disasters.
During his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed alarming forecasts indicating that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 31 States in Nigeria face high flood risks, while 249 LGAs in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are categorized as moderate risk zones.
In states such as Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe are among those at risk.
The Minister urged state authorities to proactively implement measures based on the AFO, including public awareness campaigns on flood preparedness, clearing waterways for better drainage, and establishing evacuation routes and shelters.
In addition to issuing flood early warnings, the 2024 AFO stressed the significance of water harvesting technologies to store excess water for irrigation purposes during dry seasons. This approach not only helps mitigate flood risks but also boosts agricultural productivity. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Nigerians can effectively confront impending floods and reduce their impact on lives and livelihoods.
Notable figures that were present at the event included the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture &Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, House Committee Chairman on Hydrological Development/N-HYPADECC, Rt. Hon. Paschal A Agbodike, DG/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Charles Anosike. Other attendees comprised representatives from the Ministry of Environment, led by Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, disaster risk management officials, scholars, directors from various government agencies, environmentalists, representatives from government and non-governmental organizations, water users, and private sector delegates.
