The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has reviewed the hydrological weather forecast for August, September and October (ASO) Season 2022 rainfall prediction to help save lives and infrastructure in the nation.
The director-general of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Matazu disclosed this during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
“Heavy rainfall caused damages to infrastructure and human lives. More than 50 persons lost their lives in Jigawa State and more than 200 houses were destroyed in Sokoto.
“Above-normal rainfall conditions are expected over the northern states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, much of Kebbi, Gombe, northern Kaduna and Adamawa.
“Normal-to-above normal rainfall conditions are expected over most parts of the southwestern states of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, much of Oyo, Ondo, parts of Ekiti, and Edo.
“Normal rainfall is expected in the central states of Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, parts of Bauchi, most of Kaduna, Gombe and Ondo.
“Normal to below-normal conditions are expected over the south-southwest and inland states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu.
“NiMet has played a role in managing flood by continuously observing and monitoring rainfall across the country by forcasting various rainfall events on different time scales and lead times, the provision of early warning products and services (SCP, impact-based forecasting), timely dissemination of vital information and advisory services on weather and climate-related events, constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders for adequate uptake and utilisation of weather, water and climate information,” Matazu stressed.
The NiMet boss advised the states State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms.
He listed states susceptible to floods to include Sokoto, Taraba, Delta, parts of Kaduna and Borno. Those with medium risk include Kebbi, Taraba, South Borno and West Kaduna, while those with low risk are Plateau, Nasarawa and Zamfara. The rest are possible flood zones.
“States are expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes and advised to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities, especially around high-risk areas.
“Measures to prevent mudslides by relevant authorities, especially in the southeast, are advised to be put in place.”
