Port Harcourt—The Rivers State Government has commenced plans to tackle the impending 2021 flooding which was predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), Vanguard Newspaper reports.
The local government areas affected are Port Harcourt, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Etche, Eleme, Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, Khana, Oyigbo, Okrika, Tai, and Ogu/Bolo.
The Government advised local government Chairmen and respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to prepare for emergencies in flood-prone communities across the state.
Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in a meeting with the affected council chairmen, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials, and the relevant MDAs in Port Harcourt, stressed the need to prepare for emergencies that may arise as a result of flood situations in the state.
The SSG who represented Governor Nyesom Wike informed the council Chairmen that, as Chief Security Officers of their localities, they must be proactive in facing and overcoming the challenges of their residents in the time of the flood.
He stated that NEMA, which has compiled the diverse challenges of emergency management during floods, needs the collaboration of the councils who know their communities better.
“His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, has directed me to interface with NEMA, council chairmen, and relevant ministries to guarantee that all parties know their roles to avert the expected flood that may result in the displacement of our people.
“I believe that by the time you synergize your experiences with the expertise from NEMA, we should be able to work and provide solutions against flood disaster in our state.
“I further urge residents of our dear state to imbibe good sanitary habits. Do not dump refuse in the gutters or build on water channels. Such crude habits will only compound flood situations across the state,” he said.
In his remarks, the NEMA South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Tepikor, averred that it is important that the state prepares for the looming flood that will affect the local governments adversely.
He maintained that by the second week of November, the rains will be adverse and urged all persons in flood-prone communities to be prepared and move out to designated camps if need be.
