08 Sep 2022 | 09:52 AM UTC
Nigeria: Disruptions ongoing due to flooding across much of Bauchi and Jigawa states as of Sept. 8
Disruptions ongoing due to flooding in northern Nigeria, as of Sept. 8. Multiple fatalities reported; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across much of Bauchi and Jigawa states in northern Nigeria as of Sept. 8. The flooding in Bauchi State has affected 19 out of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. Amongst the worst-affected LGAs are Jama'are, Giade, Misau, Dambam, Zaki, Darazo, Kirfi, Itas-Gadau, Shira, Gamawa, and Toro. Authorities have reported at least ten fatalities in weather-related incidents across the state since late August. Several homes and areas of agricultural land have also been destroyed by the flooding. Many residents have been displaced, and some communities in Jama'are and Misau LGAs have been cut off due to the flooding.
Since early August, all 27 LGAs in Jigawa State have been affected by heavy rainfall. Authorities have reported more than 60 flood-related fatalities during this period, including five deaths in Guri LGA Sept. 6. Authorities have established 11 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state to house thousands of people who have been left homeless due to flood damage.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast further showers and thunderstorms across northern regions of the country in the coming days. Further periods of adverse weather are likely to break out during the remainder of the rainy season through October.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities during periods of intense rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
