Brace Up for Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms, FEMA Warns
By: Prudence Okonna
FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has called on the residents of the FCT to brace up for the critical weather condition expected in the FCT and some northern states.
Accordingly, the warning has become imperative following the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of heavy Rains thunderstorms in the next few days,
The warning is contained in a Press Statement signed by the FEMA Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, and made available to Abuja Digest Saturday.
The Statement said that the Director-General of FEMA, Dr. Abbas Idriss, has placed the search and rescue team volunteers, and all other staff of the agency on high alert.
FEMA stated that according to the early warning issued by NiMet, “Thunderstorm cells are currently observed over the northern parts of the country including Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kano. These are expected to propagate westward to give equally thunderstorms to some cities.”
The statement added that the current thunderstorm cells are expected to propagate easily to give thunderstorms accompanied with squall to cities in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Adamama, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina state in the next few days.
The statement recalled that NiMet said for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains, and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects, and weak buildings may be felled, so the public is advised to be cautious and stay in-doors, especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.
FEMA enjoins all business operators in the FCT to avail themselves of weather reports periodically for effective planning of their operations.
It added that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, which usually affects the residents of the FCT.
The DG, thus, charged the Search and Rescue Team to take proactive measures to avert any loss of lives and property during this period.
Idriss has, therefore, appealed to FCT residents to heed the early warnings and avoid anything that could lead to loss of lives or destruction of properties. Motorists should not drive through a pool of water.
They should also avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse as well as anything that could block the waterways.
The statement noted that the FEMA Boss also called on the residents to join hands with the agency to ensure adequate protection of our environment in order to avoid the consequences of climate change.
He appreciated the contribution of all Stakeholders and appeals to them to do more as Disasters are fought by positive and impactful collaboration.
