This rainy season has again brought back fear amongst Nigerians amid the recurrent annual flood that sweeps most states of the country.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) about 300 persons have been killed by flood this year with a further 500 injured.
Similarly, countless number of houses, farmlands and properties have been destroyed by flooding in different states.
For example, over 400 houses were recently affected by flood in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, another 200 homes were destroyed in Markurdi, Benue and the list goes on.
NEMA and NIHSA have said that operators of the Cameroon-based Lagdo Dam have commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir, the Kainji and Jebba dams have started spilling excess water from their dams, with Shiroro dam, expected to shed excess water by October, more flooding is expected to hit various states in the country.
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are not immune to flooding. Already, the flooding outlook released by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources had shown that the FCT is among the states that would be heavily hit this year.
Based on previous incidents and the warning from the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), here are some locations that are flood-prone where resident should be cautious this period.
Lugbe:
The community which is a settlement expanding on the urban fringe of Abuja remains a flood-prone area. Last year, no fewer than four persons were feared dead as flood wreaked havoc at the Trademore Estate and other surrounding areas in the community. About 166 houses and 26 vehicles were also destroyed by the flood.
Gwagwalada:
The Gwagwalada Area Council in the FCT is another high risk area that residents have to be very weary of when it comes to flood. Two years ago, flood submerged more than 50 buildings, the Gwagwalada Bridge as well as pulled down electric poles.
Lokogoma:
Earlier this year, some houses were submerged, while others were partially submerged in the Lokogoma area even as two persons trapped in the flood had to be rescued. Also, cars swept away by the flood were recovered.
Residents in this area are advised to be careful during heavy rainfall and watch out for flash floods.
Kubwa/Kuje:
Kubwa, one of the satellite towns in the FCT have also been a high-risk area for flooding. Residents of Kubwa and Kuje are always particularly warned to be aware of streams, drainage channels, and other areas prone to sudden flood.
Dogon Gada/ Galadimawa
Dodon Gada, a small settlement sandwiched by EFAB and Sunnyvale Estates and the Galadimawa area of the FCT are also areas that can experience quick flood especially when there is heavy rain for a long period of time.
In May this year, the Dogon-gada bridge was flooded as well as areas within Galadimawa inaccessible during a heavy downpour which lasted for over three hours.
In general, precautions should be taken by one and all irrespective of location when it comes to flooding.
Like the FEMA warned, “not all floods are alike. Some develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a minute and without any visible signs of rain.
“Always be aware that there could be possible flooding. If there is any possibility of that in your area, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.”
