NIMET predicts flash floods in some parts of the country

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has called on States and Nigerians in general to carefully consider the 2002 Disaster Risk Management by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for proactive decisions and policies.

NIMET said it was vitally important to avoid the losses and reduce risks associated with floods.

The Director-General, NiMet, Professor Mansur Matazu, made the call in a goodwill message at the Public Presentation of the disaster risk management implications of the 2022 flood predictions by NEMA in Abuja.

Professor Matazu said the amount of rainfall this year would be normal in most places but there would be flash-floods.

presentation of Disaster Risk Management Implications of the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook
He attributed this to the short duration, high-intensity rainfall at the onset, which usually comes along with flash-floods due to excess run-offs and disastrous wind gusts.

Over the last three decades, Nigeria has witnessed a tremendous increase in temperature, amount of rainfall, occurrences of high intensity, short duration thunderstorms, always accompanied by strong winds and flash floods, he said.

“A recent publication by the World Meteorological Organisation, greenhouse gas concentrations, sea-level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification are on the increase with harmful and long-lasting ramifications for sustainable development and ecosystems,” Professor Matazu recounted.

“The situation, he added, has led to more extreme weather occurrences.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, extreme weather has the most immediate impact on daily lives, and Early Warning Systems are critically required for climate adaptation.

This, Professor Matazu maintained, is why early warnings and impact-based predictions should be taken seriously by states, private entities and Nigerians.

He appealed to all Nigerians to take advantage of NiMet’s array of other Early Warning Products and Services, which include: Marine Bulletin, Hydrometeorological Bulletin, Agrometeorological bulletin, Climate and Health bulletin, High Impact Forecast bulletin, Heavy Rainfall Forecast bulletin, Daily Weather Outlook, among others.

He applauded the Management and Staff of NEMA for their consistency in taking up NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP), which would not only save lives but also conserve resources for the economic benefit of the entire nation.