The federal government Sunday issued flood alert for 15 states across the country.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, warned that the identified locations and their environs are to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the period of prediction.
The ministry warned that the heavy rainfall would likely last for 4 days from 21st -25th June, 2024.
The areas to be affected include: Adamawa state : Abba Kumbo, Demsa, Farkumo ,Ganye, Gbajili, Jimeta, Mubi, Natubi, Shelleng, Song, Wuro- Bokki, Mayo- Belwa; Benue state : Agyo, Ugbokpo; Borno state: Maiduguri; Jigawa state: Hadejia; Kaduna state : Kauru; Kano state : Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Kunchi, Wudil; Katsina state: Daura, Jibia.
Others are Kebbi state : Argungun, Bagudo, Bunza,Gwandu, Ribah, Sakaba, Shanga, Yelwa; Kogi state : Abejukolo, Omale, Zugbe, Nasarawa state : Gidan Dogo, Keana, Lafia, Loko, Rukubi, Tunga, Udeni; Niger state : Magama; Plateau state : Langtang ,Wase; Sokoto state : Gagawa ,Goronyo, Isa, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto, Wamakko; Taraba state : Bandawa, Donga, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Ngaruwa, Yorro; and Zamfara state: Anka, Bukkuyum, Gummi.
The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari also on Sunday called for the provision of safe, functional sanitary facilities and waste management materials in communities across the country, insisting that it is key to tackling infectious diseases in the country.
He stated at the commemoration of National Environmental Sanitation Day in Piwoyi community, Abuja, with the theme ”go green, stay clean, climate change is real,” over the weekend.
He was represented by the director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya.
He said the facilities would go a long way in promoting public health and improving the sanitary condition of people leaving in rural communities.
He called on the people in the community to clean their surroundings regularly so as to curb the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid fever and Lassa fever.
Also, a representative of Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a nongovernmental organisation, Mr Jonathan Daku, encouraged the rural communities to imbibe hygienic lifestyle, as dirty environment breeds infectious diseases.
Also, the technical officer, Public Health and Environment, World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Edwin Edeh, pledged WHO’s support to the government in scaling up the exercise in all the 36 states of the federation including FCT.
The Esu of Piwoyi, Chief Tanko Bayago, appreciated the Ministry of Environment and its partners for choosing the community and promised to continue with sanitation awareness in the community.
Highlights of the exercise were a visit to the Chief’s Palace, clean up exercise of the community and the donation of cleaning materials to the community.
