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NiMet calls for Proactive measures to reduce Risks associated with Flood

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has called on States and Nigerians in general to carefully consider the 2002 Disaster Risk Management by National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA for proactive decisions and policies to help avoid losses and reduce risks associated with floods.

The Director General, NiMet Prof. Mansur Matazu who made the call in his goodwill message at the Public Presentation of the disaster risk management implications of the 2022 flood predictions by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)in Abuja, said,the rainfall amount this year would be normal in most places but there would be flash floods.

He attributed this, to the short- duration, high-intensity rainfall at the onset months which usually comes along with flash floods due to excess runoffs and disastrous wind gusts.

Over the last three decades, the NiMet boss noted that Nigeria had witnessed tremendous increase in temperature, amount of rainfall, occurrences of high intensity, short duration thunderstorms always accompanied by strong winds and flash floods.

“A recent publication by the World Meteorological Organisation, greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification are on the increase with harmful and long-lasting ramifications for sustainable development and ecosystems. Hence, more extreme weather occurrences. According to the WMO Secretary General, extreme weather has the most immediate impact on our daily lives and Early Warning Systems are critically required for climate adaptation”.

Prof. Matazu said, this is why, early warnings and impact-based predictions should be taken seriously by states, private entities and Nigerians.

He appealed to all Nigerians to take advantage of NiMet arrays of other Early Warning Products and Services which include; Marine Bulletin, Hydrometeorological Bulletin, Agrometeorological bulletin, Climate and Health bulletin, High Impact Forecast bulletin, Heavy Rainfall Forecast bulletin, Daily Weather Outlook among others.

“Which are issued from time to time including regular updates to the Seasonal Climate Predictions. Please take advantage of these products and avoid actions that could jeopardise efforts being made by NEMA, NIHSA and NiMet and all actors in averting and managing risks associated with weather and climate and other naturally occurring disasters”.

He applauded the Management and Staff of NEMA for their consistency in taking up NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) that would not only save lives but also conserve resources for economici benefit of the entire nation.

Nosa Aituamen

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