The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has issued a flood safety warning to residents of Abuja due to heavy and persistent rainfall. Controller of the FCT Command, Muhammed Anas, urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly those living in low-lying communities, riverbanks, and areas with inadequate drainage systems.
Anas warned that flooding could worsen due to human activities and stressed that preventing loss of lives and property requires collective responsibility from residents and relevant authorities. He cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, gutters, canals, and waterways, as well as construction on floodplains, waterways, and drainage channels.
The FFS identified blocked drainage systems, sand dredging, and indiscriminate excavation around rivers and streams as activities capable of worsening flooding. Other practices highlighted by the Service include erecting buildings without approved plans or adequate drainage provisions and poor construction of roads and culverts that obstruct natural water flow.
The controller called on residents to regularly clear drains, gutters, and their surroundings of refuse and debris while avoiding settlements and construction in low-lying or flood-prone areas. He urged residents to monitor weather forecasts and comply with flood alerts and safety directives issued by relevant authorities.
The FFS warned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, streams, or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles. Children should be kept away from floodwaters, drains, rivers, and open culverts. Residents in flooded areas were advised to switch off electrical appliances and avoid contact with electrical installations, wires, and appliances that may have been exposed to water.
In the event of flooding, the Service advised residents to remain calm and move immediately to higher ground or another safe location. Households were urged to move valuables, important documents, food supplies, and other essential items to higher levels where possible, while prioritizing the evacuation of children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities.
Anas reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Command to responding swiftly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the Territory. He appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency responders, obey safety instructions, and promptly report flood incidents and other emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
Key points
- The Federal Fire Service warns Abuja residents of potential flooding due to heavy rainfall.
- Residents are advised to avoid dangerous practices that could worsen flooding, such as dumping refuse in drains and constructing on floodplains.
- The FFS urges residents to prioritize their safety by monitoring weather forecasts and complying with flood alerts and safety directives.
