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Tag: Flood

  • Mokwa flood: Niger govt shut down IDPs camp over security concerns

    Mokwa flood: Niger govt shut down IDPs camp over security concerns

    Niger Government has shut down an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mokwa, citing security concerns to the community and allegations of illegal activities.

    The temporary camp was built by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to serve as a temporary shelter for victims of the recent flood in Mokwa.

    Security agencies led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Godwin Iheanacho, Area Commander of New Bussa Area Command, supervised the demolition of the temporary shelter at the camp on Thursday in Mokwa.

    Alhaji Jibrin Muregi, Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area told newsmen during the demolition exercise that the decision to shut down  the camp was reached during an expanded security meeting.

    According to him, the meeting was attended by  Village Head of Mokwa, Alhaji Muhammed Shaba, Etsuyamkpa of Ndayako, Sarkin Hausawa of Mokwa, Tanko Bala, heads of security agencies, council members and legislature.

    He disclosed that Nigerian Red Cross Society had constructed the temporary camp for victims of the flood without approval from the local government council.

    Muregi said that the camp had become a security concern, a “danger in disguise”, stating that the council had received complaints from locals that the occupants of the IDPs camp were not victims of the May 29 flood incident.

    He said the decision to shut down the camp was taken to ensure safety of lives and livelihoods of the entire community.

    Also, Shaba,  the Village Head of Mokwa Shaba, said that over 85 per cent of the victims of the flood disaster had been compensated by the state government.

    He explained that the victims who may not have gotten compensation from the state government was due to inconsistency in their bank accounts.

    Reacting to the demolition, Mallam Musa Sheshi, a resident of the area, expressed relief, saying the camp was no longer needed.

    Sheshi alleged that majority of the people allocated shelters in the camp were not flood victims.

    “When you come in the afternoon, the camp looks empty, you won’t see anyone, but in the night, you will see a lot of different calibre people we don’t know,” he said.

    He expressed fears that the camp could be used as a hideout for bandits.

    Another resident, Yusuf Isah, also alleged that some men and women were using the camp for immoral activities.

    “Some men were using the camp as a  place where they bring women in the night and sleep and leave in the morning,” he added.

    Recall that Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger had in June directed the closure of IDPs camp after compensating victims, with about 85 per cent of victims already paid.

  • Sad! Seven casualties, over 4,521 households displaced as flood swallows Yobe communities

    Sad! Seven casualties, over 4,521 households displaced as flood swallows Yobe communities

    More than 4,521 households were affected by a recent flash flood that ravaged several communities in Yobe State, authorities have said.

    The incident was said to have claimed at least seven lives.

    This followed the recent windstorm and flood disaster across the north-eastern state.

    The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the flood update in the state.

    He revealed that emergency measures, including wet feeding for displaced families, temporary shelters, medical support, and rapid needs assessments, were activated.

    “On August 15, a flash flood in the Potiskum LGA affected 21 settlements across 5 wards, displacing 1,261 households (12,470 individuals). Within hours, emergency measures were activated, including wet feeding for displaced families, temporary shelters, medical support, and rapid needs assessments,” he stated.

    “Despite the fact that 85 per cent of houses were mud structures and heavily damaged, families quickly received relief supplies, healthcare, and reintegration assistance.

    “Similarly, on August 17, in the Nangere LGA, following distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities, SEMA deployed field teams and volunteers to assist 550 households (2,937 individuals). Emergency measures included sandbagging and embankment construction, food aid, safe water provision, and sanitation kits to avert disease outbreaks.”

    While acknowledging the support of partners, he said that no single government could on its own respond to the growing scale and complexity of humanitarian emergencies, and therefore sought more support for the victims.

    He further explained that the agency was working tirelessly with other relevant agencies in the state, especially the Yobe State Geographic Information (YOGIS) to ensure the number of individuals building houses along the waterways were stopped.

    Similarly, the government has deployed a real-time river flow monitoring along the Yobe, Komadugu, Katagum, and Hadejia rivers; dissemination of NiMet and NIHSA climate forecasts to high-risk LGAs; and the adoption of a digital Kobo-based community reporting system linked to a live Power BI dashboard for timely flood alerts.

    “We have trained LGA rapid response teams on flood-related health emergencies and search-and-rescue operations, with advanced rescue kits, cholera treatment commodities, and hygiene kits provided to strengthen frontline response,” he stated.

  • [SEE LIST] FG issues fresh flood alert to northern states

    [SEE LIST] FG issues fresh flood alert to northern states

    The Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Center (FEW Center) has issued another flood warning alert to nine northern states.

    A circular signed by the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, in Abuja, on Monday, stated that following their locations, certain northern settlements were likely to experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period August 25 to 29, 2025.

    Bokani, who called on relevant stakeholders on the centre’s platform to give feedback of any emerging situation in their various states, also revealed that Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa as well as Kano and Katsina States, have been placed on red alert.

    Other states listed on the circular that could witness flooding within the period of prediction were Sokoto and Zamfara, which has Makira and Anka towns, respectively, as the areas on red alert.

    Adamawa and Katsina States carry the highest number of towns listed on the flood alert. Prominent among them were Adamawa’s Mubi town, Shelleng and Abba-Kumbo while Katsina State has Katsina town, Kaita and Bindawa.

    Jigawa State has Gwaram town listed on the alert while Gombe, Borno, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto States have the following listed towns: Nafada, Ngala, Sumaila, Anka and Makira on the watchlist, respectively.

    The director added that Bauchi State has two prominent areas that may be under attack. He said Azare town and Jama’are are on the CENTER’s watchlist.

    It would be recalled that just last week the CENTER issued additional flood warning alert to different towns in about seven Northern States and advised that due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja should be evacuate.

  • Mokwa flood victims lament over exclusion from N1bn relief package

    Mokwa flood victims lament over exclusion from N1bn relief package

    Some victims of the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger, have alleged exclusion from the N1 billion state government compensation. The victims made the allegations in an interview with NAN in Mokwa on Saturday.

    Recall that Gov. Umaru Bago had in June approved N1 billion to support victims of the Mokwa flood, saying 458 affected households will receive N1 million each and 25 bags of grains, including 10 bags of rice, 5 bags of maize, 5 bags of sorghum and 5 bags of millet.

    Bago said the next of kins of the 209 deceased victims would receive N1 million while 280 house and shop owners would receive N500,000 for reconstruction.

    However, after the distribution of the relief, some victims of the disaster alleged irregularities in the distribution process, saying not all affected persons received the compensation.

    Farida Abubakar, a victim, said she lost her mother, who was the breadwinner of their family, during the flood.

    She alleged she was told by the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee that she do not have a husband as such would not benefit.

    “When they were writing names of people who lost their loved ones, I went for my name to be captured, I was told I don’t have a husband, so I was not qualified to benefit.

    “I have three other younger siblings, we have been feeding from hands to mouth, we have been sleeping in Tiffin-Maza primary school because I don’t have money to rent house for us to live,” she said.

    Another victim, Yusuf Isah, a 74-year-old, said he constructed a hut to live with his wife and eight children after they lost their rented apartment to the flood.

    “When the flood came, it washed away all our belongings, the landlord of the house collected N1 million for the household and N500,000 for the house owner, but refused to share the money with me.

    “The landlord only gave me three bags of grains out of the 25 bags given to her,” he said.

    Also speaking, Hussaina Zakari, another victim, said she lost all her belongings to the flood while she was away for the burial of her father.

    “I lost my father before the flood, I was away for his burial when I was called that flood had washed away my property, after I returned, the only support I got was grains.

    “I never benefited from any cash assistance, I have been living in an IDP camp with my three children and younger ones.

    “NGOs have been of great assistance to us providing us with food and other essential items,” she said.

    Another victim, Farida Isiaku, said she lost her six children, co-wife and her three children also including her husband during the flood, saying she survived the disaster with the help of neighbours and was taken to the hospital in Bida.

    She confirmed receiving N12 million compensation from the state government, saying she used part of the money to rent a house and share the rest among her husband’s family and co-wife’s family.

    Alhaji Tanko Bala, Sarkin Hausawa in Mokwa, said the most affected people in the flood were Hausa people and commended the efforts of the state government for supporting victims with relief materials and cash.

    He confirmed that some affected victims were yet to be compensated, alleging that there were mistakes in the compensation process.

    “Some households that were supposed to benefit N1 million got N1. 5 million instead and house owners that were supposed to get N500,000 got N1.5 million.”

    Also speaking, Dauda Liman, Chairman of Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee and Secretary of the Council, said the relief distribution was done in three batches.

    He said that the victims who were yet to be compensated were those who left to other communities after the flood due to trauma, but later returned when they heard of the relief distribution.

    He called on the state government to deliver the remaining 20 trucks of grains out of the 50 truck promised by the governor for onward distribution to the remaining victims.

    Responding, Alhaji Salihu Garba, Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the agency synergised with community-based organisation to identify victims and distribute the relief materials.

    “We relied on the information and data generated by them because our search and rescue operations were carried out jointly with them.

    “We are aware that some victims were not captured, and that’s why we opened a complaint desk,” he said.

    He noted that due to the magnitude and destructive nature of the disaster, it was not possible to capture every victim at the same time.

    According to him, some were around when the capturing was ongoing but they were too traumatised to come forward, while others left the vicinity to other communities while the assessment was done.

    Garba said the agency was aware of the challenges and would address it, saying a report on the intervention would be done to the governor with recommendations.

    The director said 30 trucks of relief materials have already been delivered and the agency has successfully completed the assignment of distributing cash to order forms of assistance to households, victims of death and those whose houses were destroyed.

    He commended the efforts of the Mokwa Youth Forum, Ja’maatul Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ndalile of Mokwa and the Sarkin Hausawa for their assistance in identifying victims.

    The Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee includes Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, NSEMA, Mokwa local government.

  • “We lost everything” – Anambra flood survivors recount experience

    “We lost everything” – Anambra flood survivors recount experience

    Survivors of the devastating floods of 2012, 2022, and 2024 in Anambra, on Friday, recounted their experiences during a community flood preparedness simulation by the Red Cross Society.

    The event, held in Inoma Community in Anambra West Local Government Area, brought together residents, who still continue to grapple with the aftermath of annual flooding.

    The repeated incidents took many lives, destroyed homes and ravaged farmlands.

    The drill, one of 12 simulations under the Italian Government-funded Flood Resilience Project, aimed to improve community preparedness and emergency response readiness in flood-prone areas.

    A survivor and youth leader in Inoma, Mr Francis Odotule, recounted how flood washed away his entire farm business.

    “Flood has damaged our farmlands, livestock and livelihoods. What Red Cross is doing today is a big relief.

    “We appeal to government and agencies to sustain this support because our survival depends on it,” he said.

    Another survivor, Mrs Ndidiamaka Iroegbu, a mother of four, said she lost everything – her home, farm, and livestock, adding that she had never felt so helpless in her life.

    “We relocated to makeshift camps set up for the displaced. Sometimes, there will be food shortage. We also face poor sanitation and the risk of disease outbreaks

    “But we appreciate Red Cross for this intervention. The training will help us better prepare for future emergencies,” Iroegbu said.

    A farmer, Mrs Maureen Omataala, described how flood has repeatedly turned life upside down in the community.

    “I am a farmer, but since 2012, flood has been ravaging our communities. Whenever flood comes, it submerges our houses, destroys our crops and sweeps away property worth millions naira.

    “Many times, we escape by climbing rooftops or flee with boats. Today’s simulation has taught us safety measures and how to be first responders before help arrives,” she said.

    Speaking during the exercise, Anambra Branch Secretary of Red Cross, Mr Kingsley Okoye, said the exercise underscored the importance of proper planning and community training.

    Okoye said the simulation aimed to strengthen local resilience and equip vulnerable communities with life-saving skills, as climate-related disasters grow increasingly frequent and severe.

    “This simulation is both a success and a learning opportunity. It demonstrates the critical role of first responders in reducing disaster impact. With teamwork and collaboration, lives can be saved and losses reduced,” Okoye said.

    Also addressing the community, Mrs Idarabo Ekanem, the Senior Disaster Management Officer and Project Manager, Flood Recovery and Resilience Project, talked on the broader aim of the exercise.

    “The project is ongoing in 12 states, including Anambra. Our goal is to improve resilience by sensitising communities to what to do before, during and after floods.

    “We are also renovating public facilities, strengthening water plants and providing financial and technical support to reduce vulnerability,” Ekanem said.

    The exercise recreated a realistic flood emergency scenario, such as early warning broadcasts, community engagement and distribution of relief items.

    Others are rapid evacuation drills, boat-led search, underwater search and rescue as well as first aid response and transportation of casualties with ambulance.

  • SAD! Over 40 declared missing in Sokoto boat mishap – NEMA

    SAD! Over 40 declared missing in Sokoto boat mishap – NEMA

    Rescue workers are searching for more than 40 people after a boat accident in Sokoto State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said.

    NEMA said in a statement that the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers to a market, capsized on Sunday morning.

    “About 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing,” NEMA added.

    Boat accidents are common on Nigeria’s poorly regulated waterways due to overcrowding and poor maintenance, particularly during the annual rainy season when rivers and lakes overflow.

    At least 16 farmers died in a similar accident in August 2024 when a wooden canoe carrying them across a river to their rice fields capsized in Sokoto state.

    In May, a boat accident claimed the lives of at least 27 people in the Gbajibo community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The Kwara tragedy occurred barely seven months after a similar incident claimed the lives of 100 people in the area.

    It was learnt that the boat was carrying passengers returning from a market in Niger State when it capsized in the Gbajibo community.

    On July 29, six girls drowned after a boat taking them home from farm work capsized midstream in Jigawa State.

    Two days earlier, at least 13 people died in another boat accident in Niger State.

    The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency activated its response immediately after receiving reports that a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.

    See the full statement by NEMA below

    NEMA, SOO COORDINATE EFFORTS TO RESCUE VICTIMS OF BOAT MISHAP

    17th August, 2025

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto Operations Office (SOO), has deployed its response team to support ongoing rescue operations following a tragic boat mishap in Sokoto State today.

    The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s response immediately after receiving reports that a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.

    As at the time of this report, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing.

    NEMA SOO, in collaboration with local authorities and emergency responders, is intensifying search and rescue operations to locate the missing persons.

    The Agency reassures the public of its commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for the affected families.

  • DESOPADEC continues flood control intervention in mandate areas

    DESOPADEC continues flood control intervention in mandate areas

    The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment continued its flood control intervention measures in the mandate areas today Saturday August 16th, 2025 with a visit to Ovwian in Udu Local Government Area.

    The exercise which commenced at Udu road drainage covering both sides of the road from Udu bridge to the Expressway junction yesterday Friday August 15th, 2025 continued today with massive de-silting of both sides of the drainages with Pay loader and Tipper lorries evacuating sand and debris from site.

    The exercise which is part of the ongoing intervention by the Commission has attracted commendation from residents and shop owners in the community and environs.

    According to Mr. Jude Akpobome, a resident at Ovwian, the exercise was the first of its kind in many years.

    “This de-silting and evacuation of drainages is the first of its kind here in so many years. You can see that the drainages are totally silted. We thank God for the pro-active intervention by DESOPADEC. This is commendable,” he said.

    Speaking further, he said the major challenge being encountered is the issue of non compliance by residents and shop owners who indiscriminately dump refuse in drainages and calls on the Local Government Council to put measures in place to ensure compliance and discourage people from dumping refuse in the drainage system.

    “We are calling on the Local Government Council Authority to put measures in place to check the excesses of those dumping wastes in the drainages,” he added.

    Many respondents agree that the exercise was commendable noting that it will definitely ameliorate the plight of residents during this flood season in the community.

  • Oyo, Ogun, Kwara step up preparations for flood as NiMet warns of heavy rains

    Oyo, Ogun, Kwara step up preparations for flood as NiMet warns of heavy rains

    Governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states have put in place proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of possible heavy rainfall in parts of the country.

    The state governments said on Monday that public sensitisation, infrastructural interventions, and multi-agency coordination had been prioritised to reduce disaster risks in flood-prone areas.

    NiMet had forecasted increased rainfall and potential flooding in several states between July and August 2025, urging governments to implement preventive actions.

    In response, state officials in Oyo, Ogun and Kwara said a series of preparatory efforts had commenced to safeguard lives and property.

    Mr Daniel Ajayi, Operations Officer of the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA), said the agency had collaborated with relevant stakeholders to ensure an effective response system.

    “We have pre-positioned relief materials including foodstuffs, building materials, and household items in our warehouses to support affected residents if flooding occurs,” he said.

    Ajayi noted that medical teams, in collaboration with the Red Cross, had been placed on alert. He added that continuous sensitisation campaigns were ongoing via radio, television, marketplaces, and public areas.

    “We have also alerted residents in flood-prone communities to prepare for possible heavy rains,” he said.

    According to him, the state government had cleared several river channels, particularly in high-risk zones, and warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste in drains.

    Also speaking, the Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South-West, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, said the agency had conducted stakeholder engagements across affected local government areas in Ibadan, including Lagelu, Ona-Ara, and Egbeda.

    He said, “The initiative aims to promote early action and preparedness. We’ve met with council chairmen and community leaders to develop coordinated responses.”

    Olanrewaju stressed the need for inter-agency and inter-governmental collaboration, calling on local and state governments to take proactive steps.

    “There is an urgent need to dredge waterways and deploy waste management trucks across the state. Many flooding incidents are preventable,” he added.

    Mr Johnson Adekola, Technical Officer with the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), said the agency had intensified its flood preparedness response since NiMet’s alert.

    He said major rivers such as Agodi, Ogunpa, Ogbere, Omin, and Onipepeye had been cleared to ensure smooth water flow.

    “Our structural and non-structural interventions include early warning systems, improved drainage channels, and sensitisation of residents along riverbanks,” Adekola said.

    In Ogun State, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the government had begun its annual flood preparedness campaign since March, following NiMet’s prediction.

    He stated that rainfall in the state was expected to range between 965mm and 1805mm, with dry spells projected between April and July.

    “Flooding is part of our seasonal cycle, and we must prepare adequately. Our flood alerts help residents anticipate periods of heavy rainfall,” Oresanya said.

    According to him, the first rains peaked in July with over 360mm of rainfall, while the second phase is expected in mid-August through September.

    Oresanya explained that ongoing infrastructural interventions include the de-silting of over 988.3km of waterways, construction of 698 metres of drainage channels, and the dredging of the Opa Aro River.

    “These efforts have reduced flood duration in areas like Isheri from six weeks to three weeks. We are also working closely with community leaders and CDAs at the grassroots level,” he added.

    He urged residents, especially in flood-prone areas, to heed relocation advice, noting: “We are committed not only to reducing flood impact but also to achieving zero fatalities.”

    Mr Saheed Akiode, Zonal Director for NEMA South-West, also issued a flood alert, warning of possible flooding in several communities over the next 28 days.

    “We’ve mobilised all relevant agencies, including the Ministries of Water Resources, Environment, and Health, to scale up preparedness,” he said.

    Akiode urged state governments to clear blocked canals, monitor vulnerable communities, and stockpile relief materials.

    Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has advised residents to stay alert in anticipation of heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.

    Mr Agboola Olanrewaju, Director of Public Orientation in the Ministry of Communications, said the state had embarked on public sensitisation, particularly targeting those living near rivers.

    “Relocation of residents in vulnerable areas is ongoing to prevent avoidable loss of life,” he said.

    Olanrewaju also warned against movement during heavy rainfall and advised residents to unplug electrical appliances to avoid power surges.

    He added that the state government was currently dredging the Asa River and clearing drainages within the metropolis to enhance flood control.

  • Adamawa flood victims cry foul over expired relief supplies

    Adamawa flood victims cry foul over expired relief supplies

    Victims of Yola flood disaster have urged Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri and other relevant agencies to investigate the distribution of expired food items to some of them by the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA).

    The Yola flood, which occurred two weeks ago, affected over 4,000 households, claiming 23 lives and destroying properties, including livestock and farmlands.

    A cross-section of the victims who received government support on Saturday told NAN that most of the food items given to them were expired and not fit for consumption.

    They said it was unfortunate for a government agency that ought to know better to be distributing expired food items not fit for consumption to the populace.

    “I was given a 25 kg bag of rice, sugar, two litres of vegetable oil, a carton of spaghetti, a bag of maize and two plastic mats.

    “Except for the oil and mats, other things have expired. However, some people say the rice is manageable. The maize has a lot of tiny insects inside it,” a housewife, Khadija Ahmed, said.

    Another woman,  Habiba Abdullahi, said she has no option but to manage the rice by boiling it twice.

    “I have discarded the spaghetti and maize. I am, however, managing the rice by boiling it twice to reduce any risk.

    “For the sugar which is looking wet, I am yet to decide whether to use it or not, not knowing why it is wet; It might have been because of contaminated water or something else,” Abdullahi said.

    She urged for investigation into the development for possible replacement of expired items.

    Ishaku Kaigama urged for thorough investigation to punish those responsible.

    “During the distribution, they claimed they bought the items. Why should someone go and buy expired things?

    “Governor Fintiri needs to set up a committee to investigate this and direct them to replace the expired items with good ones.

    “Some are throwing their shares in anger, raining curses, but I keep advising them to keep them in case the government asks for evidence,” Kaigama said.

    Bello Uba, Rhoda Isaac and Yakubu Zira, who also called for an investigation, urged the government to amend by asking people to return the expired food items for replacement.

    “One of the best ways to address this problem, since affected people are hungry, is to ask us to return the expired items for replacement.

    “My fear is that some hungry people without alternatives are consuming them, which is dangerous, ” Zira said.

    Also speaking,  a Disaster Manager, Suleiman Abubakar, who also urged the government to investigate the allegations by victims,  said the distribution of expired food posed health risks.

    “This negligence can severely affect recipients’ health, particularly vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

    “Consuming expired food can lead to food poisoning, stomach infections, and other health issues.

    “The government must ensure all relief items are safe and usable,” he said.

    Suleiman urged the government to identify and punish those responsible for negligence if proven, including any officials or individuals who may have been involved in the procurement or distribution of the expired items.

    “The government needs to take immediate action to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences, including reviewing and strengthening its procurement and distribution processes,” he said.

    When contacted, Dr Celine La’ori, the Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), simply said the allegations of expired food items was a mischief by the opposition group trying to play politics with the flood disaster.

    She said the state government has done everything possible to cushion the effects of the disaster and deserves commendation.

    “This is purely the work of the opposition. We have distributed enough relief items to the victims, why do some people want to create problems where there is none,” she queried.

  • Flood control: Massive de-silting, excavation of wastes, debris continues in Sapele(Photos)

    Flood control: Massive de-silting, excavation of wastes, debris continues in Sapele(Photos)

    The flood control intervention embarked upon by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment in the Commission’s mandate areas continued vigorously in Sapele Metropolis Friday August 8th, 2025.

    Massive de-silting and excavation of wastes and debris continued steadily today at Okpe road, one of the busiest roads in Sapele Metropolis, clearing the drainages at both sides of the drain and evacuating sand and debris with pay loaders and Tipper lorries.

    The Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Bright Abeke also led a team of the Sapele Local Government task force on evacuation to enforce compliance on removal of illegal structures erected on drainages.

    Other places where pay loaders and Tippers were seen in action clearing the blocked drainages and evacuating debris were Lawrence Street and Major Bowen Road.

    Similarly, the Commission also intervened in the excavation and evacuation of debris from one of the biggest illegal refuse dump sites at the Reclamation area in Sapele. The clearing of this dump site which had posed as a herculean challenge to the Local Government Council according to the Local Government Chairman, came as a big relief even as the excavator and Tipper lorries continued to evacuate the waste to a designated site outside Sapele Metropolis.

    The flood control intervention was embarked upon by the Commission in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Asaba as directed by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State aimed at ameliorating the plight of residents in the event of the flood as envisaged by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET.

    Pictures below capture the ongoing exercise: