Expect ‘Unprecedented Heavy Rainfall’ Today, NEMA Warns Resident Of Lagos

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents in the southern parts of the country against severe weather which may result in unprecedented heavy rainfall.
                                         

In a statement on yesterday, the agency said that the weather could bring “unforeseen stress” upon the populace. “NEMA is issuing this early warning based on the alerts received from the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development based in Niamey, Niger Republic,” said the statement signed by Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s South-West Spokesperson. “The centre issued the warning about 4:35 p.m. (on Monday) to other related countries that may likely witness such severe weather in Central, East and West African sub-regions,” the statement added.

In Nigeria, Lagos and its surrounding states are expected to experience torrential rainfall from about 50 mm within 24 hours, according to the statement.

NEMA said that the alert means that all stakeholders must be prepared to take all precautionary steps against the warning. “On this premise, NEMA is passionately imploring all segments of Nigerian society in the southern part of Nigeria to steps against exposing themselves to the dangers at hand,” said Mr. Farinloye.

“Parents and teachers are especially enjoined to keep watchful eyes on their wards while motorists should exercise restraints against driving in the rain and if they wish to park, they should ensure they don’t stay inside the vehicle.

“Those living in the flood plains should relocate to higher when they are experiencing heavy accumulation of flood water,” he added.

In case of an emergency, NEMA advised residents to call the agency’s Emergency Number – 080022636432; 08160581814; 08067715203; or any police station nearest to them.