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Tag: Flood

  • Rivers residents cautioned over impending flash flood

    Rivers residents cautioned over impending flash flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has cautioned residents of Rivers on impending flash flood in 13 local government areas of the state.

    The South-South Zonal Coordinator, Babatunde Adebiyi, raised the alarm in Port Harcourt on Thursday at a public awareness campaign on proper waste management and flood preparedness.

    Adebiyi listed the high-risk areas as: Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Degema, Emuoha, Ikwerre, Obio Apkor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, and Tai Local Government Areas.

    He said that it was expedient for residents of the state to prepare for eventual flooding between now and November.

    “We are here to sensitise people of Ozuoba and surrounding communities in the Akpor area about the impending flood, we encourage you to take proactive measures to lessen the impact.

    “We are doing this to enable you to be on alert and take steps towards reducing the impact of the flooding in your communities,” he said.

    Adebiyi stated that proper waste disposal was crucial to flood mitigation and control, saying,’ “removing solid wastes from water channels will facilitate easier flow during rainy season.

    “It is also important to identify higher grounds that the people can move to when the flood comes,” he advised.

    The zonal coordinator noted that two Internally Displaced Persons camps had been established to accommodate flood victims in the area.

    He said aside NEMA’s sensitisation efforts were additional strategies in the  agencies flood containment programme.

    In his speech, AC Bassey Okama, the Head, Disaster Management, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), advised residents to act swiftly in order to minimise the danger and risks associated with flooding.

    “Unplug electrical appliances to prevent electrocution. It is important to switch off the electricity connections to your homes when the flood begins,” she said.

    Sheriff Obasi, the Head of Operations, Federal Fire Service Office, Rivers, said that the service was prepared to contain any fire outbreak during the period.

    He advised the immediate removal of combustible materials from homes to prevent fire disasters.

    Mr Chijioke Ihunwo, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, commended NEMA for its awareness campaign across the area.

    He expressed the council’s commitment to support NEMA in its efforts to implement measures towards reducing the impact of the impending flood.

  • Jigawa residents warned against impending flooding

    Jigawa residents warned against impending flooding

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged residents in Jigawa to be vigilant and heed to safety measures to mitigate flooding.

    The NOA Director in the state, Malam Ahmad Ibrahim, stated this in a statement by its spokesperson Sara Ogodo, on Monday in Dutse.

    It said the call was imperative sequel to the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS), which indicated that the state is likely to experience heavy downpour in the coming weeks.

    Ibrahim was quoted as saying that human activities caused climate change, including perennial flood that led to displacement, loss of lives and properties across the country.

    “The FEWS Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s report on flood prediction, indicates that heavy rainfall may lead to flood in Miga, Ringim, Hadejia and Dutse.

    “There is also a report of potential failure of the Tiga Dam in Kano, as a result of which excessive rainfalls might affect a lot of communities and towns in Jigawa state.

    “People must therefore stay informed, especially on the need to be proactive, as this is the only way we can mitigate the impacts of this imminent disaster in our communities,” Ibrahim said in the statement.

    Ibrahim reiterated commitment to public awareness to mobilise communities on how to mitigate the disaster.

  • Flood wreaks havoc in Makurdi township

    Flood wreaks havoc in Makurdi township

    Flood on Sunday wreaked havoc in most parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital and rendered hundreds of the residents temporarily homeless.

    A correspondent, who went round Makurdi reports that worst hit areas included Achussah, Jerome Hwande street, Ankpa quarters extension, Ankpa ward by Demekpe, Living Faith Church, Naka Road, and Behind Customary Court of Appeal.

    Others are; Gboko road,  JS Tarka University of Agriculture Road, Nyiman Village, Wurukum roundabout, Logo1 Akpehe village, Ide village and Kasho village,

    amongst others.

    The disaster had not only rendered hundreds within the State capital homeless, but huge properties lost.

    Flood had over the last decade become a yearly routine, destroying properties and causing lost of lives in some cases

    These areas were among the worst hit areas of the 2017 flooding that displaced over 120,000 persons in the Benue capital, while in 2022, over 14 councils were affected.

    Makurdi  residents mostly experience flooding, whenever there was rainfall largely due to  lack of proper and adequate drainage system and not always due to the overflow of River Benue.

    At Agber Village, Mrs Hope Igbawua told NAN that the situation was beyond their control, adding that the residents have reported the matter to relevant authorities over the years without positive response.

    Igbawua said that as a community, they couldn’t do much, saying the situation required hundreds of millions to be addressed.

    “See my brother, our problem here is not the overflow of water from River Benue but lack of a proper and adequate drainage to collect water to the main drainage that was constructed by the Federal Government.

    “The situation we face here is almost similar with many people in Makurdi. Not all of us are affected by the overflow of River Benue. We need drains,” she said.

    The Executive Secretary (ES), Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Mr  James Iorpuu, said they were already mapping out areas and households affected by the flood for immediate intervention.

    Iorpuu said SEMA had earlier carried out massive advocacy on flood and appealed to those living along flood prone areas to evacuate to safer areas.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Ugwu Odoh said, comprehensive drainage design of the affected communities would be carried out while the Urban Development Board would demolish buildings blocking water channels.

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr  Aondowase Kunde said a joint memo would be submitted to the Governor for necessary actions to address the issue of flooding in the State.

  • NiMet raises alarm about urban flooding in major cities

    NiMet raises alarm about urban flooding in major cities

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Sunday to Tuesday that could result in urban flooding in major cities across the country.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, forecast thunderstorms on Sunday with rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe States during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region. Rains are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.

    “Moderate thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Kogi states.

    “Intermittent rains are anticipated in the morning hours over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states,’’ it said.

    According to it, intermittent rains are expected to prevail over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon/evening hours.

    The agency predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Katsina States.

    NiMet envisaged moderate thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina States.

    The agency anticipated rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau states during the morning hours.

    It predicted moderate thunderstorms with rains later in the day over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi States.

    “There are prospects of intermittent rains over parts of Edo, Rivers and Delta states with Cloudy atmosphere over the remaining southern states.

    “Later in the day, moderate/intermittent rains are expected over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers States, ” it said.

    According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are predicted on Tuesday with rains over parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba States.

    The agency forecast thunderstorms over the entire northern region later in the day.

    It predicted rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kwara states with cloudy skies over the remaining states during the morning hours.

    “In the afternoon or evening hours, intermittent rains are expected over part of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.

    “There are prospects of morning rains over parts of Edo, Delta, Imo and Anambra States with cloudy skies anticipated over the remaining parts of the southern region.

    “Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa states,’’ it said.

    NiMet advised the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.

    It further advised the residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities could occur due to downpours.

    “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.

    “Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.  Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,’’ it said.

  • How to reduce impact of flooding in Delta – NEMA

    How to reduce impact of flooding in Delta – NEMA

    Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Delta to imbibe environment-friendly habits to reduce the impact of flooding in the State.

    Umar made the call at a One-Day stakeholders sensitisation workshop, organised by NEMA in Asaba on Thursday.

    The theme of the workshop organised in collaboration with the Delta State Emergency Management Agency, is: “Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparation”

    Represented by the Head of Operations, Mr Dahiru Yusuf, the NEMA D-G urged residents of flood-prone areas in the state to take preparatory measures ahead of the incident.

    She said that communities in 18 local government areas in the state were predicted to witness flooding during the 2024 rainy season.

    The NEMA boss said that the workshop was aimed at encouraging behavioural change among residents to ensure sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies in the state.

    “This workshop is to raise awareness on the importance of proper waste management culture and practice among residents.

    “To educate the public on the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health, and to  promote practical measures for flood preparedness and resilience,” he said.

    Earlier, Delta Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Ejiro Etacherure, described the sensitisation exercise as ‘timely and well-intended’.

    He said that the state government had established flood committees, and setup displacement camps at strategic places to mitigate the impact of flood across the state.

    The commissioner commended NEMA for its proactive steps in tackling the impacts of the flooding that had been predicted to ocurr in the state.

    Also speaking, the Director, Delta Emergency Management Agency, Mr Karo Ovemeso, said that the 18 local government areas invited to the workshop were the flood flash points in the state.

    He said that the sensitisation was to prepare residents of flood-prone communities on the steps to take towards reducing the impact of the incident.

    “The situation may persist until the government constructs dams to take off the excess water from the overflowing rivers.

    “So there is need for collaborative efforts by waste management agencies, residents and the private sector to ensure proper waste management in the state.

    The programme attracted participants from security agents, Red Cross, Roads Safety,  environmental organisations, among others.

  • NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Friday

    NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Friday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Friday to Sunday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja envisaged morning thunderstorms on Friday  over parts of Kano State and Kaduna State.

    It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi State, Gombe State, Zamfara, Sokoto State, Kaduna State, Adamawa and Taraba later in the day.

    “In the North Central region, morning thunderstorms and rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Nasarawa State.

    ”While later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and Kwara.

    “Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Oyo State, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Ondo State, Lagos State, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta, while intermittent rains are anticipated over the entire Southern region later in the day,” it said.

    According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Kebbi, Kaduna State and Zamfara on Sunday while afternoon and evening thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Gombe State, Kaduna State and Bauchi State.

    The agency forecast thunderstorm and rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa State and Niger during the morning hours.

    NiMet predicted thunderstorms and rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa State and Benue later in the day.

    The agency envisaged morning rains over parts of Ondo State, Ogun, Edo and Lagos State.

    It predicted intermittent rains over parts of Osun, Oyo State, Ogun, Ondo State, Lagos State, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River later in the day.

    According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe State and Bauchi State later in the day on Sunday.

    The agency anticipated thunderstorms  over parts of Katsina State, Zamfara, Sokoto State and Kebbi.

    “In the North Central region, rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State, Plateau and Niger during the morning hours.

    “Partly cloudy conditions are also expected over the region during the afternoon/evening hours.

    “Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Edo and Lagos State, while in the afternoon/evening hours, intermittent rains are anticipated over parts of Ondo State, Ekiti and Osun” it said.

    The agency urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

    NiMet advised Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

  • Bayelsa prepares awaiting looming flood

    Bayelsa prepares awaiting looming flood

    The Bayelsa Government has directed the Directorate for Flood and Erosion Control to identify more higher grounds for flood relief camps across Bayelsa, following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)’s warnings.

    The government also directed the directorate to identify structures built on natural canals within the Yenagoa metropolis for possible demolition to check flooding during downpours and flood season.

    Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa Deputy Governor, gave the directives on Wednesday in Yenegoa at a meeting with the Director-General and directors of the Bayelsa Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control (BYSDFEC).

    Also in attendance were Local Government Chairmen and their Rural Development Authorities (RDA) counterparts.

    Ewhrudjakpo said identifying and building camp grounds were part of proactive measures the state government was taking to mitigate the effects of any massive flooding as predicted by NIMET.

    He, however, urged the Directorate to liaise with the local government and RDA chairmen to quickly establish more relief camps close to flood-prone communities to spare rural dwellers from moving to Yenagoa, the capital.

    The deputy governor also stressed the need for the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to intensify the ongoing efforts of opening up canals and waterways for unimpeded water flow.

    He frowned at the practice of building houses and other structures across natural water canals, especially in the state capital.

    Ewhrudjakpo assured that the present administration was poised to implement the state Physical Planning and Development Act 2000.

    He, therefore, directed the Flood Control Directorate to earmark such structures for possible demolition to save residents of Yenagoa from the menace of incessant flash floods.

    In his remarks, the Director-General, Bayelsa Directorate for Flood and Erosion Control, Walson Omuso, said efforts were underway to identify additional higher grounds for the flood relief camps in preparation for the huge flood as predicted by NIMET.

    He appealed to the local government chairmen and their RDA counterparts to collaborate with the directorate to ensure that measures being taken by the government succeeded in alleviating the suffering of the people in the event of any serious flooding.

  • NEMA raises alarm of flood in 9 LGAs of Benue

    NEMA raises alarm of flood in 9 LGAs of Benue

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has predicted flooding in nine Local Government Areas in Benue.

    Mrs Zubaida Umar, the agency’s Director -General, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi during the Downscaling of Flood Early Warning Strategies for Early Actions in the  State, said about nine LGAs may be affected by the 2024 flooding.

    She said that three LGAs of Bururku, Makurdi and Guma would be the mostly hit.

    Represented by Air Commodore Kennedy Mataluwo, the NEMA boss, said the flood may have impact on 31 States in the country with 148 LGAs been predicted to be within the high risk areas.

    She stated that 35 States, including FCT with 249 LGAs are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas, while the remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted as  the low flood risk areas.

    “NEMA’s records of flood incidents in Benue   shows that the state  has been severely impacted by floods, but for the 2024 rainy season, some Local government areas in the state  are still predicted to be affected by flooding.

    “These LGAs,which are under high and moderate flood risk areas include Buruku, Makurdi, Guma, Agatu, Tarka, Gwer West, Logo, Kwande and Katsina-Ala.

    “They are already listed in the earlier NEMA communication to the Government of Benue.

    “This underscores this flag off, in the State today. Accordingly, I call for support in this initiative of downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation messages to the grassroots,”she said.

    The D-G explained that these flood risk areas were presented with their degree of vulnerability to serve as a tool for government at all levels to develop risk reduction measures to avert disaster  during the rainy season.

    She urged Nigerians to take actions that would drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire landscape and the population, especially for most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding.

    “We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in the State.

    “It is my hope that today’s event will go a long way in reducing the impact of the annually recurring floods and to safeguard the private, communal and livelihoods of the people of  the state,”she said

    Gov. Hyacient Alia, commended NEMA for always being there for Benue people in times of need.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Joseph Alakali, said the State would constitute “Technical Committee” on flood for effective action.

    He said that flood history has shown that about 17 LGAs maybe affected by this year’s flood.

    Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr  James Iorpuu, said that 17 LGAs were prone to flooding in the State.

    Iorpuu said that Makurdi and Buruku have already witnessed heavy flash flood in the recent weeks.

    He said that SEMA has already procured 45 live jackets to be donated to Buruku LG for rescue mission following the growing increase of the water level in River Katsina-Ala.

    He said that more jackets were needed to be donated to Agatu LGA for the same usage.

    Speaking to newsmen, Caretaker Chairman, Konshisha LGA, Mr Philip Achua, said the LGA  would further downscaled the information to all the communities.

    Participants during the sensitisation programme included the 23 LGA Chairmen in the State.

  • FEAR of flood: LASG to re-introduce monthly environmental sanitation

    FEAR of flood: LASG to re-introduce monthly environmental sanitation

     

    Apparently scared of flood, the Lagos State Government is set to announce the reintroduction of monthly environmental sanitation in the state.

    In a 21-second clip shared on the Lagos State Environmental Update page on X, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the reintroduction has been approved by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    He also said the State Executive Council has given its approval for the introduction of the monthly exercise.

    The sanitation which would commence in July, would be officially announced by the governor soon, he added.

    Wahab, who spoke in Yoruba language said, “Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the state executive council have approved the re-introduction of the monthly sanitation.

    The governor will announce it officially for the exercise to commence this month.”

    The government stopped the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state in 2016.

    The then Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, in a statement, had said the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution adopted at the State Executive Council meeting.

    “Lagos has grown exponentially with the attendant environmental problems associated with managing 20 million people. The environmental laws and procedures being practised in the state have not been able to match the growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy,” Ayorinde had then said.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: Solution to perennial flood in Lagos

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Solution to perennial flood in Lagos

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Solution to perennial flood in Lagos