The federal ministry of environment has predicted heavy rainfall in the north this week and beyond, which may result in flooding.

According to a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the deputy director in charge of erosion, flood and coastal zone management,Ekong Ekanem, the heavy rains are expected in 14 states between July 30 and August 6.

Many towns are expected to be flooded in Benue, Kebbi, Gombe,Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Borno, Katsina, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto,Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa.

Specific towns in these states likely to be affected include: Beli,Donga, Lau and Yorro in Taraba; Kachia, Kauru, Jema’a andSaminaka in Kaduna State; Kangiwa, Shinkafi, Silame, Sokoto andWamako in Sokoto state; Kano, Bebeji, Wudil, Tudun-Wada,Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gezawa and Gwarzo in Kano State.
Others are: Bauchi, Katagum, Azare, Bajoga, Yelwa, TafawaBalewa, Itas, Misau, Darazo and Jama’are in Bauchi State; Katsina,Bakori, Funtua, Daura and Kaita in Katsina State; Dutse andGwaram in Jigawa State; Potiskum, Kanamma, Damaturu, Dapchiand Gashua in Yobe State; Kaura Namoda in Zamfara; Nafada andGombe in Gombe State; as well as Bungudu in Kebbi State.

The ministry appealed to governments and people of the prone areas to take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid any disaster.

It added that adherence to similar warnings in the past had saved lives and property.