Floods: FEMA Tasks SDA’s on Preparations

By: Nkechi Isa

In anticipation of the heavy downpour and resultant floods across the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State as indicated by the impact based weather forecast issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency,(Nimet), the FCT Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), has put its divers, rescuers and vanguard on red alert.

According to the forecast, there will be moderate to heavy rainfall over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State between 16th and 18th August, 2022.

To mitigate the anticipated reaction to the high impact based forecast, the Director- General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss tasked all relevant FCT Secreta犀利士 riats, Departments and Agencies to be on high alert and get prepared for any possible flooding in and around the FCT.

Alhaji Idriss noted that the day in focus is Thursday; stressing that heavy rains expected in the next 96 hours, may bring about chances of flash flooding of roads, low lying settlements and river channels.

He restated that the moderate to heavy rains are expected to be accompanied by strong winds, and therefore, appealed to residents to clear all water ways of debris and avoid low lying terrains, not to drive through running water, avoid standing under trees as well as unsecured structures during the rains.

Alhaji Idriss also called on Abuja residents to switch off electrical appliances before the rains and during the rains to avoid electric shock.

The Director-General urged residents to dial the 112 Toll Free emergency number in the event of any threat.