The National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Center of the Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that areas of the FCT are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flood from Thursday, 6th to Monday, the 10th of June, 2024.
The locations include, Maitama, Wuse, Lugbe, Lokogoma and Garki in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Area Councils of Kwali, Kuje and Abaji.
The forecast also indicated that States contiguous to the FCT, such as Niger, Kaduna and Nasarawa are likely to be affected by heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Reacting to the early warning, the acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Florence Wenegieme, said the Search and Rescue Team of the Department had been placed on alert.
Wenegieme noted that local divers have been mobilized to vulnerable parts of the city, particularly Lokogoma and Lugbe.
She added that all the Local Emergency Management Committees, Volunteers, Vanguards and other key stakeholders have also been notified on the development and the department is keeping a close watch on happenings in neighbouring States.
Wenegieme appealed to residents, particularly motorists to avoid driving into a pool of water and exercise caution as they go about their businesses.
She also called on people residing along the flood plains to move to higher grounds, while urging that all blocked drainages should be cleared to ensure a free flow of water.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
