The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted residents of Rivers State about an upcoming flood anticipated within the next month.
Mr. Adebiyi Razak, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, delivered this warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Razak noted that NEMA has started taking steps to prepare the community to reduce the effects of the flood, given the rising rainfall intensity in the South-South region, especially in Rivers State.
“In the next four weeks, the intensity of the rain will be high in Rivers, and we have already sensitised people in areas prone to flash floods.
“We have visited Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Andoni, Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo, and Tai Local Government Areas, as well as coastal areas that are likely to be impacted.
“Tai has experienced flash floods, and two Internally Displaced Persons camps have been identified in the area,” he said.
Razak stated that a significant water rise in the region was imminent, particularly as heavy rains in the North drain into the South-South.
“We have advised the local government councils to prepare schools and other facilities where IDPs can be accommodated and to stockpile essential items for use during the floods.
“Residents should also begin preparing to move to higher ground or seek refuge in upper, safer areas such as schools, churches, and mosques within their communities.
“They should also consider evacuating entirely to areas that won’t be affected by the floods,” he urged.
Razak also mentioned that NEMA has already started gathering necessary supplies to assist local authorities in case it becomes necessary.
The state coordinator highlighted that the agency was collaborating closely with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency and local government councils to minimize the effects of the upcoming floods.
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