By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, has advised people residing along waterways in the FCT to relocate to safer areas.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Sabo explained that the warning became necessary following the early warning issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He said that NiMet, in its rainfall forecast bulletin had warned that a moderate to heavy rainfall was expected on Thursday and Friday   in parts of FCT, Niger, and Kogi.

Other states that might also experience moderate to heavy rainfall, according to NiMet, include Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Kwara, Bayelsa and Cross River.

He said that the agency’s forecast emphasised the prospect of flash floods because of the moderate to heavy rainfall in the mentioned states.

The acting director-general said that NiMet also warned that strong winds may accompany the rains.

This, according to him, may likely cause hazards like slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility, threats to weak structures, trees, and mast.

He appealed to FCT residents to heed to the NiMet warning by clearing all blocked drainages and removing all infractions obstructing free flow of water.

“The residents should exercise caution on the roads as the onset of the wet season in the FCT sets in.

“Motorists should also desist from driving through flooding water when it rains, stressing that the flooding water may have a strong under-current,” he said.

Sabo also urged the residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll–free number in the event of any emergency. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani