As the country moves closer to the peak of the raining season, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has called on government and non-government bodies to initiate proactive measures to avoid disastrous consequences.
Reacting to the 2019 flood warnings issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Senator Omo-Agege, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, called for serious sensitization and other preventive measures, particularly for people living in flood-prone areas.
The statement noted that incidents of flood has occurred with the loss of lives and property but declared that it could be avoided if preventive measures were taken.
He said: “NIHSA’s 2019 flood warnings indicate that there is a crucial need for adequate early flood prevention measures, mitigation and preparedness by federal and state governments.
“It also indicates that coastal states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ondo and Rivers states are very likely to experience heavy coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge.
“Indeed, severe flooding has commenced in several parts of the country, causing loss of lives and property but if appropriate and early preventive measures are not implemented on time, this could lead to high records of deaths, destroyed property, family displacement, disease outbreaks, agro-economic downturn, and other negative effects associated with flooding.
“In accordance with this warning, all state and federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations and all others who can play positive roles in mass sensitization and other relevant activities should commence early flood preventive measures before heavier rains commence in a few weeks.”
Pledging full backing for all government agencies and aid partners towards ensuring that all necessary support was given to flood victims and their communities, he also advised people living in flood-prone communities to heed government flood warnings and be prepared to evacuate once such directives are given by their states’ emergency management authorities and other relevant agencies.