Abuja, Nigeria – Two people are feared dead following a severe downpour on Monday morning that caused heavy flooding at Trademore Estate in Lugbe, along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Road. The estate, home to numerous civil servants and other residents, has been perennially affected by flooding.
A resident who recorded the flood called on the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for assistance. She reported that two individuals had been swept away by the floodwaters, although this has not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
Since 2022, the FCT Administration has made several attempts to demolish parts of the estate believed to be on a flood plain. However, these efforts were halted due to a court case initiated by the residents.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted thunderstorms and hazy weather conditions from Sunday to Tuesday across various parts of the country, including the FCT. NiMet’s outlook forecasted morning thunderstorms over central states like Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Niger, with further thunderstorms expected later in the day.
In response to these predictions, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has placed its flood vanguards and local emergency management committees in the six area councils on high alert.
Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs for FEMD, stated: “The FCT Emergency Management Department, FEMD, has placed its vanguards and the local emergency management committees in the six area councils on alert following early warnings of possible flooding in the Territory.”
NiMet’s weather outlook highlighted that isolated thunderstorms could affect parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau, with strong winds potentially preceding the rains. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday, June 25th, and Wednesday, June 26th, 2024.
The National Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment has also predicted heavy rainfall leading to flooding in 15 states, including Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna. The FCT, however, is not expected to experience significant flooding.
Acting Director General of FEMD, Mrs. Florence Dawon Wenegieme, stated that the department has implemented mitigation measures and has its Search and Rescue Team on alert. Local divers have been posted to vulnerable locations. She urged residents to use the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of emergencies.