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•Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Enugu, Edo, Delta,  Abia,  Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, FCT to be affected

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency(Nimet)   has predicted heavy rainfall in 25 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the next 48 hours.

The agency noted that the predicted rainfall could lead to flash floods.

The States to be affected are:  Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.

This is contained in the agency’s weekly heavy rainfall forecast bulletin issued.

The bulletin reads: “Moderate to Heavy rainfall is expected within the forecast period (Thursday 28th and Friday 29th September 2023) over parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.

“Other States are;  “Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.”

The agency said other parts of the country will experience light to moderate rainfall.

On the likely impact of the rains, NiMet stated: “The expected moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to cause some flash flooding over their areas of occurrence.

“Strong winds should accompany the rains with the strongest winds expected over parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.”

The agency advised people in the States that may be affected not to drive through surface runoff waters, as they have strong undercurrents.

It added that other likely hazards include slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility during the rain which can disrupt road traffic.

“Strong winds are a threat to weak structures, trees, and masts. Disconnect electrical appliances before and not during the rains.”