NEMA warns against Plane crashes and collapse of bridges due to rainfall

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Thursday, said the country may witness plane crashes following the onset of rainfall.

The prediction, according to the agency is due to the volume of rainfall witnessed in some parts of the country and how the runways are constructed.

The agency also said the above-normal rainfall could lead to the erosion of roads and bridges which would hinder the movement of people, goods and services across.

The Director-General of NEMA, Ahmed Habib disclosed this in Abuja at the presentation of disaster risk management implications of the 2021 seasonal climate prediction and annual flood outlook.

He said: “Squall lines, thunderstorm, wind shear, microburst, flash floods can affect runways thereby disrupting landing and take-off of aircraft, causing a delay in flights, affecting sensors along runways and can lead to plane crashes in some cases.”

On the impact of the rainfall on other infrastructure, he said: “Flooding due to the predicted above-normal rainfall could erode roads and bridges which could hinder the movement of people, goods and services.

“Jetties may also be washed away which would result in economic loss.”

The DG, however, said the document presented would help in the mapping out of communities at risk and safe locations for the setting up of temporary shelters.