Rainfall: NiMet Cautions Airline Operators on Precautionary Measures

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has advised aviation stakeholders to take precautionary measures during the onset of precipitation for smooth and safe operations, especially in the North.

NiMet chief executive Professor Mansur Matazu gave his opinion on Friday in Abuja during a briefing to reporters.

According to him, activities accompanied by the onset of the rainy season such as thunderstorms, wind shear, squall lines, microbursts and flash floods can inundate runways, disrupt landing and take-off.

Matazu further said such activities could cause flight delays and affect sensors along the runways.

“We want the pilots in particular to be very careful and to respect our precautionary measures. They are there as a standard of operations and precautions. You know that aviation is about safety.

“We use the pilot platform to get feedback and find out what they’ve been through at certain levels of atmosphere. Airlines should also take this precaution very seriously.

“Last but not the least, passengers should be patient with airline operators, especially when there are delays, deviations or cancellations of flights,” he said.

Matazu said the northern area is expected to have an appearance between May and June, with the northern fringes around Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno likely to have an appearance between June 14 and June 29.

According to him, NiMet will monitor climate change and provide the update for weather alerts and advance information for factory purposes.

“In the event of extreme weather events, we promptly report the damage, loss of life and property damage.

“So the north-central is approaching its period of onset and some northern states will soon begin to witness the onset, sometimes showers associated with thunderstorms and high winds,” he said. (NAN)

June 19, 2021