Skip to main content

Flood alert: NEMA warns 28 states, 102 local governments

                                      

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted that 28 states and 102 local governments might be at risk of flooding due to impending heavy rainfall.

Mr Olusegun Afolayan, Director, Operations of NEMA in charge of Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states gave the warning while speaking with newsmen after sensitising some residents on how flooding could be avoided on Friday in Akure.

The alert is coming against the backdrop of warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) on the weather forecast.

Afolayan said the programme, in collaboration with the Ondo State Management Emergency Agency (SEMA), was part of the agency’s pro-activeness to responding to warning alerts by different agencies dealing with weather.


He said that the states under his jurisdiction were also part of the 28 states and the 102 local governments that were risk prone to flooding.

That is the “reason the agency is sensitising ahead of the impending danger’’.

“Flooding is not always caused by heavy downpour alone, but when dams were opened too, it always leads to flooding.

“There is a prediction from NiMeT in February, and Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) in May, informing us of impending heavy rainfall due to climate change and the ozone layer that will lead to flooding.

“About 28 states and 102 local governments have been earmarked for this possible flooding.

“So, we have to carry out sensitisation programme in the three states under my purview.

“We sensitised them about the need not to drop wastes in the gutter or the water paths.

“Those that built on the flood plains should move away in other to avoid the imminent flood disaster that is likely to happen between the month of August and October.

“And if flooding happens, it will lead to loss of lives and properties and we have to forewarn communities that may be affected.

“Causes of flooding are numerous; it’s not about rainfall alone but when the dams cannot accommodate more water,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Olufemi Obideyi, Secretary of SEMA in Ondo State, said that apart from the warning from relevant agencies, his agency was always creating awareness through different programmes to forestall flooding.

Obideyi said people should not see the agency as a palliative sharing agency after disasters, but as a proactive one.

“Flood can cause cholera outbreak because if drinking water is affected, it will lead to cholera outbreak and we don’t want that to add to the coronavirus pandemic that the whole world is already battling with,’’ he said.

Credit-PMnews

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ex-NNPC Boss, Andrew Yakubu, seeks to quash money laundering charges

A former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, is seeking to quash money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as he files a “no-case” submission before Justice A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja. In the no-case submission dated November 6th 2018, and filed through his counsel, Anone Usman, Yakubu aked the court to strike out the charges against him, and discharge and acquit him, arguing that “the evidence led by the prosecution’s seven witnesses did not establish a case” against him, necessitating him to defend himself. Recall that a special operation conducted by EFCC operatives on 3rd February, 2017 on a building belonging to Yakubu in Kaduna state, yielded the recovery of a staggering sum of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousa...
Post a Comment
Read more

HOME SAFETY TIPS A COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE

In the kitchen, Keep a distance between flammable objects (papers, curtains, plastics, etc.) and fire sources (oven, stove top, portable heater, etc.) Use harmful products (cleaning solutions, lighters) with caution (follow instructions!) and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Never leave sharp objects (knives) or other such tools and utensils misplaced or unattended. Ensure electrical cords aren’t draped across other appliances or the counter or stove top. Leave space around appliances for proper ventilation. In the bathroom, Keep electrical appliances wrapped and away from water. Use non-slip strips or floor mats Always keep the room clean and as dry as possible. In the bedroom, Never smoke. As always, ensure that everything else is a safe distance away from a source of fire or heat. Opt for mattresses with open flame-resistant protection. You’re most vulnerable when you sleep. Even in bed, keep a phone, light, (and, if neces...
Post a Comment
Read more

Army Urges Boko Haram To Embrace Nigerian Govt Amnesty Offer

Nigerian army The Nigerian Army on Thursday asked Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace the federal government’s amnesty offer. In a statement signed by Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, said: “we wish to remind repentant Boko Haram fighters that the window of opportunity to embrace the Federal Government Amnesty programme is still open for them to surrender and lay down their weapons. “It is also gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations,” he said. Chukwu disclosed that the troops of 23 Brigade under the Operation LAFIYA DOLE had arrested three suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ngurore on March 28. The army spokesman explained that one of the suspects, who was wounded as a result of gunshots, confessed to have participated in various attacks coordinated by the insurgents. According to him, the army is condu...
Post a Comment
Read more