Nasarawa on Flood Watch: Residents Ordered to Evacuate as Rain, River Levels Surge
Date: June 1, 2025 | Byline: IDNN Climate & Public Safety Desk
The Nasarawa State Government has issued an emergency flood alert, calling on residents in low-lying and riverside communities to immediately evacuate as intensified rainfall raises the risk of catastrophic flooding.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kwanta Yakubu, raised the alarm during a state press briefing on Saturday. He cited forecasts from NiMet and NEMA indicating dangerous water levels along the River Benue tributaries, especially near Umaisha, Tunga, Loko, and Doma.
“We urge residents not to wait until it’s too late. Evacuation is not optional; it is a matter of life and safety,” Yakubu warned.
📍 High-Risk Zones Identified
Communities flagged for immediate attention include:
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Loko and Umaisha (Nasarawa LGA)
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Tunga (Awe LGA)
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Doma and Keana
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Adogi and Lafia outskirts
Residents in these areas have been advised to relocate to designated safe zones established by the State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA).
Emergency Services on Standby
Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration has activated:
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Emergency response teams
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Relief distribution centres
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Evacuation protocols via boat and land support
NASEMA, Red Cross, and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed for 24-hour surveillance and aid delivery.
“We’ve pre-positioned food and medical supplies,” Yakubu said. “This is proactive governance, not crisis management.”
🧠 Climate Warnings Amplify Fear
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) earlier identified Nasarawa as one of 11 flood-prone states this rainy season. Rising dam discharges from Cameroon and northern Nigeria pose additional threats.
Climate experts warn that continued urban encroachment, blocked drainage, and slow resettlement efforts could intensify impacts.