The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed its emergency response team on high alert over an anticipated heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday.

The FEMA’s director-general, Abbas Idriss, stated this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Nkechi Isa, in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Idriss said a weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) indicated that the FCT and its neighbouring states would experience heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday.

He added that the forecast predicted moderate to heavy rains in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states.

The director general said NiMET also warned of possible flash floods, riverine flooding, strong winds, soil erosion, thunder, and lightning due to the anticipated heavy downpour.

“The forecast also anticipates displacement of people due to floods, outbreak of waterborne diseases and damages to infrastructure,” he said.

To ensure a quick and effective emergency response, Mr Idriss said the agency had placed its search and rescue team on high alert.

The director general said he had equally directed an update of the agency’s flood contingency plans to ensure maximum results.

He appealed to residents to heed the early warning and avoid driving or wading into a pool of water during the rains.

He also said that all blocked drains should be cleared and advised people who reside on water channels to relocate.

(NAN)