The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flash flood alert for July 1 to July 10, warning that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in 27 states across the country.
According to the agency, the persistent rainfall recorded in June has left the soil in many parts of Nigeria heavily saturated, making it difficult to absorb additional rain as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
“Following widespread rainfall recorded across many parts of Nigeria in June, soils have become heavily saturated, reducing their ability to absorb additional rainfall.
“As July marks the beginning of the peak rainy season, the risk of flash flooding is expected to increase, particularly in low-lying, urban, coastal, and poorly drained areas,” NiMet said.
The agency identified the states at risk as Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.
NiMet warned that the expected downpours could cause localized flooding, leading to traffic congestion, road closures and disruptions to transportation.
It also cautioned that affected areas may experience temporary electricity and telecommunications outages, while poor visibility during heavy rainfall could pose dangers to motorists and aviation operations.
The agency further noted that flooding could waterlog farmlands, resulting in crop losses, and damage roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public infrastructure.
