Nigerian Meteorological Agency predicts May 24th as rainfall onset in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has said following seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, normal onset of rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory this year is expected by the 24th of May.

According to a statement signed by the Head, Public Relations, Nkechi Isa, the Director-General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, gave the hint in an interview with journalists in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The Director-General disclosed that the Agency also plans to embark on a joint assessment of flood prone areas and estates in the territory to mitigate the impact of floods during the rainy season.

Idriss said the assessment tour would involve key stakeholders including the Department of Development Control, Engineering Services Department and Estate Developers .

While noting that urban flooding was a major threat in the FCT, Idriss stressed that all identified infractions would be removed.

“Seasonal flooding in Lokogoma has reduced in the past three years because we removed obstructions to the flow of water.

“People went and built on the water ways; those structures will be pulled down,” he said.

Describing this week’s flash flood in some parts of the territory as a wake-up call, the DG appealed to residents to adhere to the master plan and approved building codes.

The FEMA boss urged residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster.