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Tag: rainfall

  • Lagos to experience above normal rainfall in 2024

    Lagos to experience above normal rainfall in 2024

    Lagos would experience above normal rainfall this year with about 1,936.2mm volume of water expected, according to the Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP).

    Residents are admonished to adopt environmentally-friendly lifestyles and do more to safeguard the environment.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, spoke at a news conference to announce the Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and its socio-economic implications for the State.

     He said the annual briefing is to alert Lagosians on the need to prepare. 

    According to Wahab, the average annual rainfall amount predicted for 2024 is 1936.2mm, which is greater than the long-term average of 1721.48mm. 

    The rain is expected to start first week of April and cease first week of December.

    Ikeja is expected to have an onset date of April 4 and cessation date of December 4 with about 1,900mm volume of rain expected.

     Badagry is expected to have an onset date of April 1 and cessation date of December 5 with 1,978mm volume expected while Ikorodu’s onset date is April 4 and cessation date is December 4. The volume expected is 1,903mm. 

    Lagos Island stands at 1,936mm volume expected with a start and end dates of April 3 and December 4.

    The commissioner also noted that below normal rainfall is anticipated in the first half of the rainy season while normal to above normal is expected in the second half.

    Wahab reiterated government’s plan to downscale the SCP to stakeholders and emergency workers and upscale its readiness to combat emergencies that might arise, especially as Lagos lies below the sea level.

    He added: “Our State will continue to reap the benefits of a careful and rigorous execution of plans as our flood control measures are stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall. 

    “The ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.”

    The Commissioner noted that the government will also maintain the synergy with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA) while monitoring the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, dams release and river water levels into the State.

    He noted that the Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) has been strengthened to deliver reliable, timely and effective flood information, adding that the low-lying Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo and Ajegunle communities will be closely monitored with respect to a likelihood of the Ogun River flooding as well as other river basins in the State.

    Read Also: Weather outlook: Northcentral, others to experience delayed rainfall, says NiMet

    The commissioner also urged residents to expect flashfloods due to the high amount of rainfall as well as a rise in the Lagoon level. 

    This, he said, was because high tidal movements may ‘lock up’ discharge points of drainage channels ‘and until it recedes, there will be no discharge’.

    “Such occurrences can cause backflow resulting to flooding, but as soon as the Lagoon recedes, all the generated storm water will immediately be discharged and the roads will be free,” he added.

  • Heavy rainfall alert in Lagos,  Ogun Rivers, 12 others

    Heavy rainfall alert in Lagos,  Ogun Rivers, 12 others

    Heavy rainfall is expected today in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba and 11 other states, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned residents yesterday.

    In the next three days, there are chances of extremely high temperatures in some northern states, it added.

    The agency said very strong winds may affect 13 states.

    The alert is contained in the Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Weather Forecast Bulletin issued yesterday, covering today till Thursday.

    On the rainfall pattern, the bulletin stated: “Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Kwara, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, and Cross River States on Tuesday (0000 – 2359hrs).

    “Low to moderate rainfall is also expected over parts of Kaduna, the FCT, Nasarawa, Plateau, Anambra, Kogi, Benue, Ebonyi, Oyo and Adamawa states.

    “There are good chances of moderate to heavy rainfall anticipated on Wednesday (0000 – 2359hrs) over parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Cross River, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states.

    “Low to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states.

    “Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated on Thursday (0000 – 2359hrs), over parts of Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Taraba States.

    “Low to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Kaduna, the FCT, Nasarawa, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Edo and Ebonyi State.”

    Read Also: Presidency lambasts Obi for aspersions on Judiciary, INEC

    For the temperature, the bulletin stated: “During this day (0000 – 2359hrs Tuesday), there are good chances of extremely-high temperatures (top one per cent) over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states.

    “Good chances of very-high temperatures (top three per cent) are expected over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Plateau states. 

    “Elsewhere in the country, there is little or no chance of temperature-related hazards.

    “On Wednesday (0000 – 2359hrs), there are high chances of extremely-high temperatures (top one per cent) over parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Niger states.

    “There are good chances of very high temperatures (top three per cent) over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, the FCT, Zamfara, Taraba and Plateau states. 

    “Elsewhere in the country, there is little or no chance of temperature-related hazards

    “Parts of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger states have good chances of extremely-high temperatures (top one per cent) on the third day (0000 – 2359hrs Wednesday).

    “There are also good chances of Very High-temperatures (top three per cent) expected over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara, the FCT, Plateau, Taraba and Lagos states. 

    “Elsewhere in the country, there is little or no chance of temperature-related hazards.”

    For the wind pattern, NiMet stated that in the next two days, there are high chances of very strong winds that may affect parts of Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kwara, Kogi, Enugu and Benue states. The agency added that parts of Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River states would experience moderate risk of hazards due to strong winds.

  • First Aba rainfall causes havoc

    The first rainfall of 2019 in Abia State have left many residents of Aba, the commercial nerve center of the state to groan in pains following the damage it had on the property.

    While many residents of the business-minded city had gone out to their respective offices and business centers without anticipating any rain with the city having 20percent chance of rainfall according to an early morning weather forecast, they were shocked when the rain unannounced hit the streets of the city.

    The city which had most of its drainage blocked was flooded within few minutes of the rain, causing gridlock on major streets and roads as vehicle owners and commuters struggle for space on the road.

    Some of the residents whose houses were submerged as a result of the rain have sent out appeal to the state Governor; Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu following the damage they suffered in the rainfall that lasted for about two hours.

    They feared that if there would be any rain this month, the situation could become terrible.

    Our reporter who visited several places within the metropolis and its environs report that a lot of residents suffered so much damage and has worsened the deplorable nature of roads leading to their residents.

    Residents living in some of the areas where reconstruction of road projects have been abandoned by the respective contractors want government to order the contractors back to site and feared that if the works linger till the rainy season sets, it could force them out of their residential quarters.

    Ndiegoro, Uratta, the Over-Rail, Port Harcourt road and among other places suffered the heaviest casualty within the axis of the commercial city that was hit by the rain.

    Read Also: Calabar gets first rain in 2019

    Some of the residents who spoke to our reporter said that the last two months of 2018 were more of a miracle to them as they did their businesses smoothly with the dry season helping to dry up their roads.

    Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Maxwell Mbagwu, a landlord at Obohia Road, off Nkwo-Ngwa Market in Ndiegoro axis of Aba South Local Government Area of the state said he is afraid because he knows that him and his tenants are about to see the painful part of 2019 faster than expected.

    He said: “To be honest with you, I don’t hate rain. But I now fear rainy season because of where I found myself. The weather is too hot, yet people like me are afraid of seeing rain. Do you think that’s normal?

    “You came here by yourself and you can see why we are afraid. We are about to begin a new phase of our suffering for this year so so early. I was thinking that it will be by February, but it took us all by surprise yesterday.

    “I pity my tenants and myself as well. They’ll pay rents in pains and I will be collecting with remorse. Most of them who have cars do park along the good portions of the road or even as far as other adjoining street.

    “For me I can’t drive again because it’s more cost effective to enter Keke than to destroy your car. The truth and nothing but the truth is that Abia State Government has abandoned us. We plead that they remember that we are humans and still alive.”

    A resident of Igbere Road off Ohazu Road, within the same Ndiegoro axis who simply gave her name as Mrs. Celine pleaded with the governor Ikpeazu to instruct the contractors handling the Igbere road to come back to site.

    Celine said that the abandoned drainage from Ngwa Road to Igbere Road, channeled all storm water from yesterday’s rain into their residents thereby making them homeless.

    “Our homes were like river yesterday. Those who went out couldn’t return while those of us at home had to endure the whole problem. We don’t know if they have stopped the construction, but the drainage stopped that place you’re seeing there.

    “We are suffering and we plead with the governor to save us before we perish. The smell of the storm water is what no one should wish his enemy to perceive. We are pleading for mercy and help please.

    “For some years now, our children contract different disease and we waste money that could have been used for other things on hospital bills. We the adults get injured on daily basis. We only enter our homes by climbing blocks and planks placed on the roads which often lead to injury.

    “Just few days to the New year, we are back to it again. The contractors have all disappeared. We are now leaving like pigs in the midst of debris and mosquitoes. Aside the state of our finance, we cannot be in this kind of place, “she lamented.

    Kelechi Onuigbo, a commercial motorcyclist in Amaukwu Road along Uratta axis of Aba told New Telegraph that he fears a drop of rain more than the sound of a gun as the rain is more of an enemy to his welfare than any other thing.

    “I’m nothing before God to tell Him what to do. But if I have power to suggest to the Almighty God, I’ll plead that He restricts rain from touching Uratta Road and its environs because what ought to be a blessing is now a curse to us here. Our government is wicked and most of our political office holders are inhuman.

    “They often tell us how the rain disturbed construction works, but what did they do with the space provided by the dry season? One of them brought people from Abuja to Uratta Road with the claim that they are going to flag of the construction of the road just few days after their visit, but as you can see with your eyes, nothing is happening and our sufferings is about to get worst,” he said.

    Also at the Over-Rail axis of the commercial city, the story is the same as most residents see the coming back of the rain as more of the biblical returning to Egypt.

    The panic of the looming dangers the rain is coming with was residents of Osusu Road, Omuma Road and Cemetery Road all in Over-Rail lamented about the bad state of their roads and called on the state government to do the needful.

    The worst hit in the Over-Rail axis is the Osusu Road where Abia State Government demolished buildings, created new waterways for the construction of drainage, but has since several months back left the road untouched.

  • Farmers commend NiMet for timely 2018 rainfall prediction

    Farmers in Nigeria under the Zero Hunger Commodity Associations, on Tuesday, commended Nigerian Meteorological Agency ( NiMet ) “for timely presentation of 2018 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP)” to the public.

    The farmers National Coordinator, Dr Tunde Arosanyin, gave the commendation in an interview with our reporter in Abuja on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2018 SRP presentation.

    He said that the association, a subsidiary of the UN Committee – Zero Hunger Nigeria Forum – was happy about the 2018 SRP presentation organised by NiMet with the theme “Seasonal Climate for Sustainable Development.”

    Arosanyin added that the prediction was a welcome development because it would help farmers to plan properly before going into the 2018 farming season to avoid losses.

    He explained that the 2017 SRP reviewed by the Agency showed 95.3 per cent achievement in terms of performance, “indicating there was head way in the agriculture sector.

    “The 2018 SRP by NiMet was a welcome development and taking a case from the prediction of 2017 as reviewed by the Agency, achieving 95.3 per cent in terms of performance was great.

    “To us as farmers, it was an excellent one. However, the information was in English and that was a big gap because we wish it could be adopted in various languages for rural farmers.

    “This is because 70 per cent of our farming population do not have good education to be able to interpret some of the forecast.

    “The burden is on us the farmers’ leaders at Zero Hunger Commodities to see how we can organise training at state and local levels to keep farmers abreast of the predictions.

    “We will also inform farmers when rainfall will start and the quantity, when to expect
    dry spell, the length and the intensity so as to take proactive steps before the occurrences to reduce wastage.”

    The coordinator said the SRP was a good step in the right direction as agriculture became
    the major driver of the Nigerian economy.

    He said “it is critical for the Nigerian government to support farmers at all levels to be able to implement and interpret the SRP data effectively.”

    Arosanyin also advised farmers to take the predictions seriously and not to rush into planting yet but wait until the rainfall set in properly.

    He said “from the prediction today, there is going to be early rainfall but not advisable to plant until the rain has set in properly because there is no enough moisture presently in the soil.

    “So, planting can start from April to avoid losses recorded in previous years.”

    The national coordinator appealed to state and Federal Government to bring back extension services to help in passing on information to farmers.

    He explained that “ordinarily, it is the role of extension officers at the state and federal level to educate farmers on farming techniques in different languages for easy assimilation.

    “However, they are no longer there but farmers organisations have willing collaborative partners to carry out the assignment effectively.”

    NAN

  • Makurdi records first rainfall in 2018

    Makurdi records first rainfall in 2018

    Makurdi, the Benue capital city on Friday recorded its first rain fall in 2018.

    Our reporter records that that the rain which was preceded by a mild breeze, started at about 10 PM and lasted till 1 AM on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the rain arrived much earlier than last year when it came in March.

    Apart from 2014 which experienced early showers, the rain always set in around March.

    NAN reports that the heatwave that had tormented Makurdi residents has eased for a more humid weather with farmers warming for an early commencement of the cropping season.

    Read Also:  February rain: NMeTs predicts bumper harvest in 2018

  • Rainfall: Lagos caution residents against dumping refuse in drainages

    Rainfall: Lagos caution residents against dumping refuse in drainages

    As the 2017 rainy season gathers momentum, the Lagos State Government has allayed the fears of residents over the torrential rainfall witnessed in the State on Thursday, saying that necessary steps had been taken to avert any incidence of flood disaster in the State.

    The State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement said that the State Government had in recent times carried out intensive tour of some flood prone communities in the State to clear up blocked drainages and canals.

    The commissioner wondered why any right thinking person would be dumping refuse on water courses and drainages created for free flow of storm water, saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was for the interest of the residents.

    “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm runoffs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth,” Adejare said.

    Allaying fears of teeming Lagosians apprehensive of the rain, the Commissioner said that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters, warning that the government would no longer tolerate the building of illegal structures along channel right of ways in the state.

    To this end, he said the government had since begun demolishing illegal structures and shanties erected on the drains especially in flood prone areas.

    Adejare, however, urged residents living on wetlands and flood prone areas to be cautious and careful, urging them to limit their movement if possible and to move to higher ground if need be.

    He explained that it is their responsibility as a government to protect lives and property, appealing for the cooperation of all Lagosians in their quest to avert any flood mishap in the state.

     

  • 2017: NiMet predicts early rainfall, early cessation

    2017: NiMet predicts early rainfall, early cessation

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that Nigerians will experience shorter rainfall period in 2017.

    With the prediction, the agency also noted that there would be early cessation of rainfall in many parts of the country.

    According to the Agency, food production would be less than normal due to shorter growing season length over large parts of the country.

    This was disclosed in Abuja yesterday during the public presentation of the 2017 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction which was unveiled by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    The minister urged relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the prediction and plan ahead.

    Giving an overview of the prediction, the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Sani Mashi said: “2017 is expected to be a unique year as the country is likely to experience a wetter start and a drier end of the season

    “The annual rainfall amount predicted over the country in 2017 is expected to range from 400mm in the far north to about 3100mm in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta while the cessation dates of the rains in 2017 are predicted to start from around 4th October and reach the coastal states around 25th December.

    Continuing, NiMet boss said: “Rains might be heavy at the beginning but towards the end, the season will be drier which means that generally, rainfall will be below normal in some States including Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, northern Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Abia and some of the coastal areas.

    “In some States, we are predicting that the rainfall will be above normal. In and around states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Adamawa.

    “Aside these two categories, we are expecting that the rest of the state will experience normal rainfall.

    Also, the Agency predicted that Katsina State will experience earliest cessation of rain.

    “By October 4th, rain is expected to cease in Katsina state.”

    On the socio-economic implication of the prediction, Mashi said: “food production is expected to be less than normal because we are predicting that the growing season is going to be shorter over large parts of the country.

    “Since the rainfall will cease early, food production system has to be aligned properly so that crops that mature early can be planted”.

    On the health implication, he said the shorter than normal rainfall in some parts may lead to water stress and outbreak of diseases that are related to heat which can also affect livestock.

    Looking on the bright side of the prediction, the agency said: ” the above than normal rainfall that will be experienced in some States will lead to additional water in reservoirs and this can be a good sign as far as power generation is concerned because it means the potential for hydropower generation will be higher.”

  • First rain destroys 100 buildings in Edo community

    The first rain of the year that fell in Okpella, Estako East local government has wreaked havoc on the community

     

    It destroyed over 100 residential buildings, school buildings, electrical installations and farmlands.

     

    The rain lasted for about four hours.

     

    Eyewitnesses told our reporter that residents are currently trying to remove items from the ruins of their buildings.

    The witnesses said classroom blocks at Iddo Community Grammar School were pulled down which made it impossible for students to receive lectures.

     

    One of the victims who gave his name Abdulahi Issah said the roof of his house was entirely removed.

     

    He described the development as “the will of God Almighty” that no human could have stopped’’.

     

    “I am appealing to the relevant authorities to come to our aid to cushion the effect of the rainstorm,” he said.

     

    Another victim, Muhammed Muhammed called on the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to assist the victims.

     

    Vice Principal of Iddo Grammar School, Kashim Otaru said the students do not have a place to learn.

     

    “The rainstorm has wreaked havoc on our building, as you can see we don’t have roof under our head or a building where the students can learn.

     

    “So we are appealing to the relevant authorities to come to our aids as students no longer hava a place for conducive learning,” he said.

  • Rainfall: Lagos allays fears of residents, appeals for calm

    The Lagos State Government has allayed the fears of residents over the torrential rainfall witnessed in the State on Sunday, saying that necessary steps had been taken to avert any incidence of flood disaster in the State.

    The State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement on Sunday said that the State Government had in recent times carried out intensive tour of some flood prone communities in the State to clear up blocked drainages and canals.

    The commissioner wondered why any right thinking person would be dumping refuse on water courses and drainages created for free flow of storm water, saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was for the interest of the residents.

    “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm runoffs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth,” Adejare said.

    Allaying fears of teeming Lagosians apprehensive of the rain, the Commissioner said that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters, warning that the government would no longer tolerate the building of illegal structures along channel right of ways in the state.

    To this end, he said the government had since begun demolishing illegal structures and shanties erected on the drains especially in flood prone areas.

    Adejare, however, urged residents living on wetlands and flood prone areas to be cautious and careful, urging them to limit their movement if possible and to move to higher ground if need be.

    He explained that it is their responsibility as a government to protect lives and property, appealing for the cooperation of all Lagosians in their quest to avert any flood mishap in the state.

  • NEMA alerts farmers, others of irregular rainfall prediction

    NEMA alerts farmers, others of irregular rainfall prediction

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged farmers and others to prepare for irregular rainfalls.

    NEMA gave the advice warned against the backdrop of the Nigeria Metrological Agency, NIMET’s 2016 Annual Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) .

    NEMA Northwest Zonal Coordinator Alhaji Musa Ilallah spoke at a stakeholders meeting in Kaduna.

    He advised agric extension workers to step up enlightenment /awareness campaigns for farmers.

    Ilallah added that adoption of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies against flood, drought, and desertification and effective collaboration among stakeholders through team work and enforcement of laws/legislation would aid in curbing the anticipated menace.