By: Dr. Inenyo Esinte
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) earlier this year alerted Nigerians that a total of 314 out of the 774 Local Governments Areas (L.G.As) in Nigeria should brace up for high-risk flooding in the months of April, June, July, September, October and November this year accordingly.
Giving further details, NEMA stated that while a total of 66 LGAs were prone to high flood risk in the months of April to June; 148 L.G.As in July to September and 100 L.G.As in the months of October and November according to the emergency response agency.
Furthermore, NEMA opined that Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross Rivers states are expected to have a record rainfall of 2700mm and above, with associated coastal floods due to a rise in Sea level and tidal surge.
Like some other states to be affected, flash and urban floods are also forecasted in Yenagoa and its environs due to poor drainage systems and the lack of compliance with town planning and environmental regulatory standards.
With this year’s floods predicted to be more severe and damaging than that of last year.
This is a reminder and call on Bayelsa State Government, respective ministries and agencies to take proactive steps in establishing preventive and mitigative control measures and strategies to reduce the impacts of the impending floods as predicted by NEMA.
Early warning systems should be established timely to enlighten people in high-risk areas to embark on early safety measures for the upcoming floods to ameliorate and mitigate the eventual adverse impacts.
Foresighted efforts to open up and clear blocked waterways, drainages, channels, canals and water passages in Yenagoa and environs to mitigate the impacts of the oncoming floods is highly vital as part of the environmental flood control measures.
Timely and prescient establishment of adequately equipped flood relief camps at safe designated locations for households across the state that maybe displaced by the looming floods is a necessity.
The need to plan and establish alternative means of safe transportation of people and goods such as petrol, from within and outside the state in the event of disruption of normal means of road transportation by flood waters should also be sufficiently planned for to mitigate the negative economic and social impacts and hardships as a result of the floods.
Forward-looking, intense, spirited plans and provision for adequate supply of household food items for prospective flood victims in hard-to-reach rural areas are also worthy of note and consideration.
The health institutions in Bayelsa state should also be adequately prepared in terms of manpower and materials to squarely manage any upsurge and outbreak of waterborne and water-related illnesses as a consequence of the floods.
Worthy of note for early procurement are antivenins for the treatment of victims of snake bites, which were in high scarcity during the flood last year, all over Nigeria probably due to high demand, hence the need to procure them early to prevent unavailability and save lives when required.
The importance of harmonizing the flood break academic calendar for all schools and ensuring compliance in Bayelsa state to keep children safe, and prevent incidents of drowning amongst school children by the state ministry of education and respective academic authorities is also key.
I also enjoin all individuals to take personal proactive safety measures to keep themselves, their households and properties safe throughout the duration of the impending floods.
Finally, whether you are flood-affected or flood-impacted, directly or indirectly, everyone is affected, hence the need for all to join hands together for us to come out of it safely and stronger.
Most importantly, the need for government across all tiers to work cohesively and proffer lasting solutions to prevent, control and mitigate the menace of floods collectively.
May God help us all and keep us safe from harm.
