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The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning to FCT residents to pay attention to early warnings to prevent Flooding disasters during the upcoming rainy season.
Mr. Mohammed Sabo, the acting Director-General of the agency, delivered this advice in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
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This caution follows the release of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the occurrence of the first rain in FCT in the early hours of Thursday.
Sabo specifically urged residents of FCT to take proactive measures such as clearing blocked drainages and clogged gutters to ensure the unimpeded flow of water throughout the rainy season. He emphasized the potential for disasters during the onset of rains, particularly due to violent storms associated with the season.
Residents residing along water channels were also implored to consider relocating for their safety. Sabo assured residents that FEMA would continue to raise awareness about precautionary measures to be taken before, during, and after the rains.
He encouraged residents to utilize the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of any disaster.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted a delay in the onset of the 2024 rains in the North Central states. In the capital territory, the onset of rain was forecasted to begin in May across the six Area Councils and conclude in November.
Despite the prediction, some parts of the territory experienced the first rain in the early morning of Thursday. The light rain, which lasted about 25 minutes, was reported in various areas, including Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Garki in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dutse, Zuba, Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Mararaba. Residents expressed mixed feelings about the unexpected rain, which lacked lightning, heavy winds, and thunderstorms.
