Following information from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned Nigerians to expect further flooding in the coming days (NIHSA).
The warning was given in Abuja during a workshop on the Hydro-meteorological Status and Outlook System by NiMet Director General, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu (HydroSOS).
This occurs as the number of fatalities from the flood that ravaged several states in the nation reaches 500.
Matazu indicated that there will be additional floods while identifying the region of the nation that will be most affected and the fact that neighboring countries have left their dams open.
According to information from NIHSA, the DG issued a warning: "We're going to experience more floods." The North Central and southern states are now receiving the most of the rain. So there will be both riverine floods and brief, intense downpours of rain.
"Accordingly, the NorthCentral states will experience more floods similar to those in Kogi, the SouthEastern states, and the Southwestern states.
"Recall that we predicted above-average rainfall for the majority of the country in February and continued to do so with monthly updates. The top of the flooding caused by rainfall has therefore been reached, but keep in mind that when reservoirs and dams are filled, precipitation that has been gathered in them leaks out. The Lagbo Dam was therefore opened on September 13th. The Kainji and Shiroro dams were also opened. Therefore, what we are currently seeing is riverine flooding.
"And according to the information we're receiving from NIHSA, there will be more floods. The North Central and southern states are currently the focus of the rain. As a result, we may expect to see additional flooding in the north central states, like in Kogi, as well as the southeast and southwest states, like we are starting to witness in several areas of the South West.
"Water-related hazards including floods and droughts have, in many regions of Africa, become a major cause of food shortages, strains on livelihoods, health risks, and conflicts.
Matazu stated that this has been made worse by individuals who build on flood plains and the rise in water levels in the River Niger and Benue, noting that the flood that occurred was mostly caused by rainfall and not the loosened dams.