Nigeria’s Environment Minister Warns of Rising Flood Threat
Nigeria’s Environment Minister Warns of Rising Flood Threat:The Minister of Environment, Mallam Lawal, issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the
increasing threat of flooding in Nigeria due to emerging weather trends.
In a press statement addressing recent flood incidents, Lawal urged
state and local governments, stakeholders, and citizens to take preventive
measures by relocating populations living in vulnerable floodplains.
He advised people to avoid flood-prone areas, refrain from crossing
areas with heavy water run-off, and stay away from highways that may
be cut off by flooding. He further stressed the importance of maintaining drainage systems,
staying informed through official channels, and responding to flood alerts to mitigate the risks.
Lawal highlighted the recent flood disaster in Borno State as a
critical reminder of the urgent need for collective action to tackle climate change,
which has intensified rainfall and worsened environmental degradation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the public informed
to help mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the impacts of flooding.
the minister
The minister noted that the 2024 flood season has been particularly harsh,
with many states experiencing unprecedented flooding.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
reported that over one million people have been affected,
with thousands displaced and significant damage to properties worth billions of Naira.
The Federal Government, he said, is gravely concerned about the resulting humanitarian crisis.
In preparation for the 2024 flood season, the Federal Ministry of
Environment has taken proactive steps to mitigate the impact.
On March 27, 2024, letters were sent to all state governments,
including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration,
urging them to conduct flood awareness campaigns. Additionally,
the Ministry’s National Flood Early Warning Systems Center issued a flood alert on September 4, 2024, identifying 21 states at high risk of flooding between September 4-8.
the resident
Residents in floodplains along the River Niger and River Benue were urged to evacuate immediately due to rising river levels. Lawal described the Alau Dam
flooding as a heartbreaking tragedy and emphasized the ministry’s ongoing
efforts to work with the Borno State Government and other agencies to provide support to affected communities. He called on all relevant stakeholders to contribute to recovery efforts and urged those in danger to take necessary safety precautions.