The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), on Wednesday in Abuja urged Nigerians to imbibe good environmental habits in order to overcome hazards.

Dr Anthony Anuforom, Director-General of NIMET, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that flooding and other hazards could be prevented if good environmental habits were imbibed.

He listed some of the habits to include the regular clearing of drainage, adding that people should desist from throwing wastes in the drainage to avoid blockage.

"It is necessary for the National Orientation Agency and other related agencies to sensitise communities and settlements to the possibility of flooding.

"Most parts of the country are expected to have normal onset with the exception of locations in Niger, Anambra, Delta, Northern Cross River, parts of Ogun and Ondo States.

"However, citizens are encouraged to maintain good environmental habits because even a normal rainy condition will cause flooding if the drainages are blocked with refuse," Anuforom said.

According to him, there is likely to be flooding and erosion, particularly around the coastal areas as contained in the 2013 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) released by the agency.

He gave the assurance that the agency would continue to monitor the global weather systems and issue regular updates.

NAN recalls that NIMET had in this year's report, predicted excessive rainfall pattern in some states which may likely lead to flooding as experienced in 2012.

According to the report, most parts are expected to have normal harmattan conditions which will prevail during the first two months of the year.

"In March, however, the nights will be warmer, while the day will be colder over Borno; elsewhere, normal conditions are predicted for March and normal April conditions are also predicted for the country.

The report also stated that longer length of season was likely in the central parts of the country as well as parts of the Southwest.

NIMET also predicted above normal amount of rainfall for the northwest areas of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and environs, compared to 2012.

NAN