2024 Seasonal climate prediction: FEMA seeks Abuja residents’ cooperation

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

ollowing the release of year’s rainy season early warning in the FCT,  the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has appealed to residents to clear blocked drainages and clogged gutters to ensure free flow of water.

Making this appeal, Acting Director General of FEMA, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo noted that disasters can occur during the onset of the rains due to violent storms associated with the season and called for caution.

Sabo, in a statement from Head, Public Affairs at the Agency, Nkechi Isa, also appealed to residents who reside along the water channels to relocate.

He however, assured that FEMA would continue to sensitize residents on what to do before, during, and after the rains.

The FEMA boss equally urged residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of a disaster.

According to the statement, the onset of this year’s rainy season in the FCT is predicted to commence on the 10th of May in Kuje Area Council.

It added that in the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction unveiled by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency(NiMet), the annual rainfall in Kuje is put at 1258 and the season will end on the 17th of November.

“Kwali Area Council closely follows with an onset predicted to commence on the 11th of May. The season length is put at 200, with an annual rainfall of 1242. The season is expected to end on the 17th of November.

“Residents of Abaji Area Council should expect the onset of the season on the 12th of May. With a season length of 198 and an annual rainfall of 1220, the cessation is predicted for the 16th of November

“In Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the rains are predicted to commence on the 14th of May. With an annual rainfall of 1186 and a season length of 194, the season  is expected to end on the 15th of November.

“Gwagwalada Area Council is predicted to experience 1169 annual rainfall, with the season commencing on the 15th of May and ending on the 14th of November.

“Bwari Area Council will experience its onset on the 17th of May, with an annual rainfall of 1141 and a cessation date of 13th of November”, the statement added.