…NEMA: Nigeria recorded N2.6trn losses from flooding in 2012, worst in 40 years
By Mohammed Mohammed
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu, has urged Nigerians to prepare themselves and their environment against excessive flooding as is being witnessed by the torrential rainfall, even in the coming months.
Recall that the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who supervises the agency, had predicted while unveiling the 2022 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) that the annual rainfall is expected to range from 390 mm in the North to over 2790 mm in the South.
Speaking in a TV programme monitored in Abuja, by EXTRAORDINAIRE news, Matazu, said every Nigerian should expect flooding that may likely unleash havoc across the country in the next few weeks.
He reiterated that the agency had issued several warnings pertaining to flooding, and heavy downpours for Nigerians to take precautions, adding that unfortunately, many refused to abide by the advisories.
He said Nigerians were in the habit of dumping refuse in drainage channels and cutting down trees, which are the main causes of flooding.
He said in the next two weeks, there will be increased rainfall saying that July, August, and September are the most active periods for flooding.
The NiMet boss called on Nigerians living especially in flood planes to evacuate immediately, explaining that there is a global concern especially as it relates to climate change.
While also adding his voice to Sirika’s pronouncement at the 2021 SRP release, he amplified that SRP is one of NiMet’s flagship products, an invaluable tool that has helped Nigerians across sectors.
The CEO, said: “It has helped increase the level of preparedness by NEMA, complement the flood prediction by Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) and served as advisory toll for many stakeholders at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.”