Divers, rescuers and vanguard operating along waterways in the nation’s capital have been placed on red alert following the latest impact based weather forecast issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Nimet.
The agency had predicted moderate to heavy rainfall over the FCT and Nasarawa State, between the 16th to the 18th of August 2022.
Responding to the warning, the FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, directed all relevant Secretariat, Department and Agencies, SDA, to be on high alert and get prepared with a view to mitigating the anticipated heavy floods.
FEMA, in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, explained that as a result of the heavy rains expected in the next 96 hours, there are chances of flash flooding of roads, low lying settlements and river channels.
She said the day in focus is Thursday when moderate to heavy rains are expected to be accompanied by strong winds.
The statement added that the Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, appealed to residents to avoid low lying terrains, not to drive through running water, clear water ways of debris, avoid standing under trees and unsecured structures during the rains.
Idriss also calls on Abuja residents to switch off electrical appliances before the rains and during the rains to avoid electric shock.
The FEMA boss underscores the importance of dialing the 112 Toll Free emergency number in the event of any threat.
He also appreciate the sustainable Cordial working relationship with NiMet for their daily update on the weather condition in order to keep FCT safe from flooding and other weather related hazards.