The prevailing weather pattern in Nigeria is going to cause above-normal rainfall in about 19 states between August and October this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency announced on Tuesday.
It stated that above-normal rainfall conditions were expected over the Northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, much of Kebbi and Gombe, as well as northern Kaduna and Adamawa states.
“Normal to above normal rainfall conditions are expected over most parts of the South-Western states including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, much of Oyo, Ondo, parts of Ekiti, and Edo,” the Director-General, NiMet, Mansur Matazu, told journalists at a press briefing in Abuja.
He added, “Normal rainfall conditions are expected in the central states, most of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, parts of Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo.
“Normal to below normal conditions are expected over the South-South and the inland states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states.”
Matazu stated that the agency was aware of the recent devastations caused by heavy rainfall in some states, stressing that the high-intensity rainfall was due to the changing weather conditions as earlier predicted by NiMet.
He explained that the role of the agency in flood management, caused by heavy rains, was to ensure continuous observation and monitoring of rainfall events across the country.
The NiMet boss said the agency would also continue to carry out the forecasting of various rainfall events on different time scales and lead times.
“Our role is also to ensure the provision of early warning products and services, timely dissemination of vital information and advisory services on weather and climate-related events,” he stated.
He said the agency also embarks on constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders for adequate uptake and utilisation of weather, water and climate information.
“State and National Emergency Management Agencies should intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms,” Matazu said.
He added, “States that are expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes are advised to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities, especially at the high-risk areas.
“Measures to prevent mudslide disasters by relevant authorities, especially in the South-East are advised to be put in place. People should heed other advisories by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and National Emergency Management Agency.