The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, has on Wednesday disclosed that approximately 30 states and over 100 LGAs are categorised as high flood risk areas and therefore could expect flooding.
Adamu said this in Abuja while giving an update on the recent flooding that affected 13 states in the country last weekend.
The Minister predicted that the monsoon wind would bring rain from the West Africa coast around between June 22 and September/ October. This is expected to the land along with sea rise that could lead to increase in the amount of water in low lying coastal areas of Lagos and other states.
His words: “The rains did not start early this year, thereby possibly causing long duration torrential downpour and causing unexpected urban/flash floods in areas with non-existing or inadequate drainage system in the country.
“The flowof surface water are being monitored by NIHSA while alerts will continue to be issued. Also, sensitisation of the entire nation by visiting the grassroots will soon be embarked upon.
“Urban/flash floods (i.e overflow due to sustained rainfall) in the urban cities or semi urban areas can be reduced with effective and adequate drainage systems. People must not use this facility as refuse bins which will block and render the facility useless with the probability of flooding heightened when it rains.
“People in the riverine areas must not erect residential structures on the flood plains as these areas are an extension of the river space. Unfortunately, people have refused to yield to advice.”
“It is therefore suggested that state and local governments should do more to enforce environmental laws/town planning guidelines, so as to check such uncontrolled physical development activities,” he added
