The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has urged governments, emergency managers, and relevant organizations to leverage weather forecasts for more effective planning.
The agency disclosed this at a National Emergency Coordination Forum organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja on Thursday.
NiMet’s Director of Applied Meteorological Services Glory Onyegbule emphasized the importance of utilizing seasonal climate predictions to anticipate and manage weather-related challenges.
Onyegbule highlighted that NiMet had provided a comprehensive seasonal climate prediction for Nigeria, detailing anticipated rainfall patterns, onset and cessation dates of the rainy season, expected annual rainfall amounts, and the overall length of the rainy season. She explained that these predictions were made in comparison to long-term averages, noting deviations particularly in regions like the North East, including Maiduguri and Bauchi. NiMet has continuously updated these forecasts in response to evolving weather conditions.
The recent severe flooding in Borno State has underscored the reality of climate change, according to Onyegbule. She advised emergency managers to act promptly and urged those in charge of dam operations to ensure the integrity of these facilities. Onyegbule stressed the importance of early intervention in flood-prone areas to mitigate recurring flooding issues and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to heed weather reports and act accordingly.
Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Trond Jensen, addressed the forum virtually from Borno. He reported that OCHA is collaborating with NEMA, state emergency management agencies, and the military to support those affected by the flooding in Borno. Jensen’s team is on the ground in Maiduguri, providing essential aid such as food, clean water, and medical support to prevent the spread of diseases.
Jensen also noted that OCHA is working to protect vulnerable populations and has activated a humanitarian response system to track needs, available emergency supplies, and response efforts. The organization is preparing for potential flooding in Adamawa next week, coordinating with the state governor to plan relocation and reduce vulnerability.
