Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, has yet raised another alarm that some parts of the nation’s capital will be flooded due to recent torrential rainfall that has led to an increase in the water level of the Lower Usuma Dam, making the Dam to spill into the Usuma River channel.
Recall that the FCT Administration earlier raised the alarm of flooding due to the constriction of waterways in locations like Lokogoma and warned those who reside in flood prone areas to relocate because of flash floods that could occur this year.
In a press statement signed by the agency’s Director General, Alhji. Abbas Idriss, and made available to our correspondent reveals that areas to be mostly affected are: Kubwa, Gwagwa-Karimo, Kuje Gwagwalada and along Airport Road.
Idriss advised residents in some of flood prone settlements to be watchful of possible flooding, just as he called on them to take simple precautionary measures during disaster, warning that flash floods can occur in these areas with or without any typical warning signs.
The statement reads in parts: “we are calling on the public that due to the recent torrential rainfall there has been an increase in the water level of the Lower Usuma Dam making the Dam to spill into the Usuma River Channel.
“Therefore, people leaving along the Usuma Dam channel will experience increase in volume of water along the River Channels. Areas mostly to be affected are; Kubwa, Gwagwa-Karimo, Kuje and along Airport Road Gwagwalada. In of these glaring facts, FEMA is advising the residents of the above settlements to be wary of possible flooding.
“They should also note that not all floods are the same. Some develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a minute and without any visible signs of rain.
“Therefore, the communities are advised to listen to the radio or television for information. Be aware that there could be possible flooding. If there is any possibility of that in your area, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings”.