The National Emergency Management Agency has advised residents of Rivers and Bayelsa states to move to higher ground due to expected flooding during the ongoing rainy season.
Eric Ebhodaghe, South-South Zonal Coordinator of the agency, gave the advice during a news conference on Friday in Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Meteorological Institute (NIMET) had recently predicted that 30 states across the country, including coastal ones like Rivers and Bayelsa, could experience serious flooding.
Ebhodaghe stated that the agency had already begun sensitisation campaigns in vulnerable communities to reduce the impact of the anticipated flooding.
“We are working to reduce the impact on the people by sensitising them, with the aim of minimising economic losses and protecting lives,” he said.
In response to the forecast, the agency has engaged with federal, state, and local authorities to coordinate efforts to mitigate the expected effects.
“In Rivers State, we have identified communities within various local government areas that are at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.
“We have been visiting these flood-prone communities to raise awareness and educate residents, ensuring that they take precautionary measures to avoid major losses.
“Although we cannot prevent the flooding, we can manage it, and encourage relocation to safe grounds within communities and to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.
The zonal coordinator emphasized that proactive measures were vital in managing disasters such as floods.
He disclosed that IDP camps had already been set up in each of the 15 local government areas most vulnerable to flooding.
“We have also engaged with Community Development Committees, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the flooding.
“The engagements are centred on improving local capacity to prevent and manage flooding through measures such as proper waste management systems,” he noted.
He further urged residents to regularly clear drainage systems to ensure the free flow of rainwater.
“When the water channels are blocked, the water will inevitably find alternative routes; therefore, if we adhere to responsible waste disposal and drainage maintenance, we will enhance our flood mitigation efforts,” he concluded.
(NAN)