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Tag: Flooding

  • INVESTIGATION: How State Govs. failed to heed weather advisories, avert flooding

    INVESTIGATION: How State Govs. failed to heed weather advisories, avert flooding

    Widespread flooding caused by water overflowing from local rivers, unusual rainfalls and the release of excess water from Lagdo dam in neighbouring Cameroon’s northern region, has killed 500 persons, and displaced 1.4 million Nigerians in 31 affected states, according to government sources.

    Non-implementation of environmental guidelines, inadequate infrastructure and mismanagement of special intervention funds have resulted in annual flooding. Still, authorities say the magnitude of devastation caused by this year’s flood is the worst the country has experienced.

    Head of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency Mustapha Habib Ahmed has advised all the governments of the frontline states to move away communities at risk of flood, identify safe higher grounds for evacuation of persons and prepare adequate stockpiles of food and non-food items.

    Satellite imagery from Landsat 9 showed significant swelling of the Niger and Benue rivers in southern Nigeria, where, according to the U.S. space agency NASA, floodwaters “inundated numerous communities.”

    So far, over 70,566 hectares of farmland and 45,249 homes have been affected, the permanent secretary in Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Nasir Sani-Gwarzo has said.

    Weather Advisories and Poor Preparations

    In February, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) presented its 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), stating that the total amount of rainfall for this year is expected to be normal in most parts of the country, adding that dry spells of varying degrees ranging from mild to severe would be experienced across various parts of the country.

    According to the report, rainfall onset dates are predicted to be about the same as long-term average dates in most parts of the country. “Cessation of rainfall is anticipated to begin in the north, from early-October to mid-November, in the central states, and finally ceasing around mid-December in the southernmost and coastal parts of the country,” NiMet said in the report.

    Over 70,566 hectares of farmland and 45,249 homes have been affected by flooding.

    However, in August, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), disclosed that the agency had identified 233 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) expected to experience flooding in 2022.

    Director-General of the Agency Mustapha Ahmed, said at the time that advisory letters and maps showing predicted flood risk areas in various states had been sent to the respective state governments, and urged state and local emergency management stakeholders to act proactively.

    However, state governments reportedly disregarded the warnings and weather advisories issued by various Federal Government agencies on the impending devastating floods of 2022.

    Head of the Nigeria Hydrological Services (NIHSA) Clement Nze, during an interview with ChannelsTV that the weather predictions were out early enough to set the tone for what to expect in the course of the year and warnings issued to each state government in Nigeria and relevant ministries like agriculture, environment and aviation, informing them of the specific risk areas and the necessary measures they ought to take.

    “If our predictions were heeded by relevant sub-nationals, we would not have been where we are today,” Eze said.

    Interventions Towards Mitigating Devastating Floods

    Under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Ecological Fund was established in 1981 through the Federation Account Act of 1981 with the primary objective of establishing a pool of fund that would be solely devoted to funding ecological projects to mitigate serious ecological problems.

    The Fund constitutes 1% of the Federation Account and it is known as Derivation and Ecology Fund and as of June, a total of 266 out of 332 ecological projects approved within the last seven years, had reportedly been implemented across the country, while the remaining 66 are at different stages of completion.

    States and Local Governments receive their share of the Derivation and Ecology Fund as part of their monthly allocation at the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) monthly meetings, but the disbursement and utilization of this fund has come under scrutiny in recent times.

    As floods sweep through communities, Nigerians have continuously called on the Federal Government for assistance, but the Presidency has said State Governments should be held accountable.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, said the ongoing flooding was not a national-level emergency and while the administration would not fail to intervene in moves to alleviate the flooding burden, states should explain how they have been deploying their share of the fund

    “We call on governors of those states that have swung into action and engaged the necessary gear to continue with their efforts, and those that have not, to immediately face their duties of managing the flooding within their jurisdictions.

    “Each of the three tiers, the local government, the state government and the Federal Government has a sizeable budget at its disposal, allocated monthly precisely for dealing with these state-level natural emergencies. It is not clear why some of the state governments in question are not already drawing upon those funds to tackle the current emergency,” Shehu said.

    The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into remittances to the Ecological Fund and withdrawals from the account between 2010 and 2022, alleging mismanagement of funds by the beneficiaries.

    The House Committee on Ecological Fund is also mandated to investigate the utilisation of the Ecological Fund by benefiting government’s departments and agencies (MDAs) within the same period and establish infractions.

    Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry has begun to distribute 12,000 metric tons of food and non-food items to states devastated by the flooding.

  • Nigeria lost over N1trn in two weeks to flooding – Financial expert, Gbolade

    Nigeria lost over N1trn in two weeks to flooding – Financial expert, Gbolade

    The Nigerian economy and businesses have  recorded a huge loss to the tune of N1trillion plus  in two weeks due to the flooding crisis, a Financial economy expert Mr Idakolo Gbolade  has said.

    Gbolade noted in an online medium that flooding has affected many agrarian areas in the country.

    According to him, “The recent flooding affects most agrarian areas in Nigeria, thereby affecting the availability, cost of food products.

    “The flooding has affected Nigeria economy and businesses greatly. Billions of businesses plying the Lokoja-Abuja road have been stranded for over 15 days now. For instance Fuel Tankers using Lokoja road to supply Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) to North Central and Abuja have been held up in Lokoja because of the flooding crisis. This will no doubt affect businesses relying on fuel for energy.

    “Also, Irish potatoes, tomatoes, pepper, onions, carrots, yams and others food Items have witnessed sharp rise as a result of the flooding. The cost of transporting goods through alternative routes is higher, hence, the price increase.

    “The Nigeria Economy and businesses have lost over N1trillion naira in two weeks to this year’s flooding crisis”, he stated.

    Flooding in some parts of Nigeria have crippled many businesses and hugely affected farming.

    States in Kogi, Benue, Anambra, Niger, Nasarawa and other states in Nigeria are worst hit by the flood.

    Many houses have been submerged, a large chunk of dry land cut off, over 80 lives lost and 600,000 persons displaced according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    The flood situation in the Lokoja-Abuja federal highway has caused travelers excruciating pains. Trucks supplying foods items from the South to the North and North to the South have been stalled.

    NEMA described the nightmares some Nigerians are facing owing to this year’s deadly flooding, a crisis now demanding global intervention.

    Governor of Kogi State, Yayaha Bello said the flood crisis is a near-hell disaster.

    He disclosed that Kogi State’s worst-hit Ibaji district is “100 per cent underwater” while calling for quick intervention.

    The Director-General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Mansur Matazu on Tuesday revealed that the North Central and Southern zones should expect more flooding.

    Meanwhile, calls have been made for both urgent immediate, and permanent solutions to the flooding crisis.

  • Flooding: Delta Govt. sounds alarm, urges residents in low areas to relocate

    Flooding: Delta Govt. sounds alarm, urges residents in low areas to relocate

    Delta Government on Friday urged residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to higher planes to avert the impact of ravaging floods in parts of the state.

    The Director-General, State Bureau of Orientation, Mr Eugene Uzum, gave the charge at a news conference in Asaba.

    Uzum said that the state government was concerned about the safety of lives and property of its citizens, particularly those living in flood-prone areas given the  Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s forecast of heavy rains and flooding in the country.

    According to him, Gov.  Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the setting up of the Inter-ministerial Flood and Disaster Management Committee headed by Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah to mitigate the challenges expected by the impending ravaging flood.

    He said the committee was saddled with the responsibility of sensitising the citizens on the impending flood and opening, maintenance and management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps throughout the state.

    “You will recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have been consistent in their annual flood forecast and this year’s prediction is no exception.

    “As a proactive government, the Delta Government led by Gov. Okowa has taken proactive measures to ensure that there is no loss of lives and minimal damage to property.

    “In 2012 we had flooding that was very drastic across the country of which Delta had its fair share of the challenge and since then it has become a recurring decimal.

    “The 2022 flood forecast is estimated at 3,000mm and 4,000mm and this is very huge compared to what we had in previous years.

    “It’s important to note that the Office of the SSG and the Ministry of Environment have been monitoring the flood levels along River Niger and its tributaries,” he said.

    Uzum, said that the state government was working with local government chairmen, traditional institutions and Presidents-General of communities in the state to further sensitize the people.

    He said the State Orientation Bureau in conjunction with the Ministry of Information have continued to bring up-to-date information on the impending flood to the people.

    “At the moment the water levels have moved up and government has started relocating people to ensure that no loss of lives and minimal damage to property.

    “We encourage our people who are at the low lands to move to upland while crops should be harvested to avoid total loss of agricultural products.

    “Today the floods are here and from available records, it has risen to 3,200mm and 3,400mm and expected to get to 4,000mm based on the forecast of NiMet and other agencies.

    “So what we have done is to take this information to the people because of the challenges of ignorance and cultural beliefs and we are convinced that they would relocate accordingly.

    “The setting up of IDP camps would be based on needs assessment going by the level of flood waters,” Uzum said.

  • NEMA to 28 governors: Prepare for serious flooding this year

    NEMA to 28 governors: Prepare for serious flooding this year

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said 102 local government areas (LGAs) in 28 states of the federation are more prone to flooding this year.

    To mitigate the impact of the flooding in the states, the agency said it had written to the state governors to prepare.

    The agency said the letter indicated the areas that would be affected, adding that it highlighted the steps to be taken to reduce the impact of the flooding.

    The agency said it had commenced stockpiling food items ahead of the flooding because of the unpredictable impact of the flooding.

    NEMA, while describing 2020 as a year of an incident within an incident following the outbreak of COVID-19, said managing flood disaster would be a herculean task.

    The Director-General of NEMA, AVM Muhammadu Muhammed (rtd), disclosed these in Abuja yesterday while giving an update on its 2020 flood preparedness, mitigation and response.

    Muhammed said: “Floods can cause widespread devastation, resulting in loss of lives and damages to property and critical public infrastructure.

    “Unfortunately, 2020 is going to be a year of ‘an incident within an incident with the country battling Covid-19 pandemic, managing a flood disaster will be a herculean task.

    “According to 2020, the general outlook of annual rainfall amount is predicted to be normal to above normal in Nigeria, thus some places are expected to have above-normal rainfall which may result into floods in 2020.

    “Correspondingly, the 2020 Annual Flood Outlook forecasted flooding in some parts of the country where 102 LGAs in 28 states fall within the highly probable flood risk areas, while 275 LGAs in the 36 states of the federation including the FCT fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas. ”

  • More flooding likely in Lagos as sea water level rises, govt warns residents

    More flooding likely in Lagos as sea water level rises, govt warns residents

    PARTS of Lagos State may record more flooding soon owing to the rise of water sea level; the State government has warned residents.

    The lagoon is said to be having difficulty discharging water into the ocean causing backflow into the drainage channels.

    But Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tunji Bello says officials of the state are working on different measures to remove the constriction and blockades ease free easy passage for the resultant flooding.

    The State Government is also in talks with the officials of the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority which is releasing water to do so gradually.

    He explained that the rise in sea level has contributed to the current flooding in many parts of Ikoyi, V.I, Dolphin and Oworonshoki as the lagoon cannot discharge and is causing back flow into drainage outlets.

    He said the officials of the Drainage department had expected it to go already but from the look of things now may last throughout the weekend.

    Bello said the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority can no longer hold the Oyan dam and has subsequently been releasing its water causing rise in Ogun River.

    This has affected low line areas like Isheri North and Magodo up to Owode Onirin.

  • Ravaging flooding and its havoc in Etsako Central Edo State

    Written by Benjamin Atu

    October 1st 2017, as Nigerians celebrate her independence, Communities in Etsako Central and other areas in Edo North woke up that faithful day in swamp whose source of flood is still a mystery.

    The ongoing catastrophic flooding in different parts of Etsako Central in Edo State, has come as a very serious assault by nature. Nobody envisaged that nature would vent its fury and pour its contents on the people of Etsako central in such an agonising way, washing away loves one, homes, businesses, schools, worship centres and all farmland in one fell swoop.

    Household goods now float freely on top water. What use to be roads have suddenly turned waterways that can only be navigated by canoes. Infact all major link roads in Etsako central has been cut off and turn high sea. All access road to evacuate the victim have also been submerged by the ravaging flood.

    Farmland had been washed away. People are now being threatened by snakes, crocodiles and hippotamus and other animals that has been dislodge from their natural habitat by the ravaging flood which now lives in several people’s home.

    Also coming with the flood are water borne diseases, especially cholera, with its high mortality rate. With several communities trapped by the devastating flooding there is an urgent need for the intervention of the federal government in evacuating the trapped victim of this natural disaster.

    The National Emergency Management Agency, as Usual, was caught napping. The red cross admitted being overwhelmed. The question is, if this chronic flooding will stop any time soon.? Government need to strengthen its emergency rescue and recovery plans. The public must be cautioned to limit contact with the flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination. When will this yearly natural flooding find their way back to the Oceans, Rivers and Rivulets? Only God knows when.

    The yearly havoc of flooding to the most populous single community in Etsako Central LGA, Udaba-Ekphei, Agbabu, Osomegbe, Ifeku inland, Udochi, Ofukpo, Anegbette, Utsuko and Ukpe oko orile has become a major burden which has severally led to constant tension, weeping and recently, tears by the member representing Etsako Central in the Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Lawani Demain who has taken it upon himself to eat and sleep with the flood victim who are current rescue to various camps.
    Schools have shot down in the affected communities submerged by flood resulting from the River Niger and Benue which have over flown its Banks and aided by the torrential rain in various communities in Edo North.

    The coincidence of the torrential flooding same day of the nations 57th independence, is an evidence of government irresponsibility and neglect by relevant agencies of government. Despite the constant alert and warning on climate change the federal government has failed to find a lasting solution to this yearly natural disaster. State Government and Communal effort to prevent the yearly incident has yielded no result because, water released from Cameroon, Togo and Niger Republic dams through River Benue are responsible for the seasonal flooding of these riverine communities in Edo North. Etsako Central have been submerged by flood in the past one week and the people have been rendered Homeless in their own home.

    The neglect by the Federal government in finding a lasting solution to this ravaging flood will continue to have a biting economic effect in the nations economy and the diversification effort of government. This is because affected communities in this current flooding incident are the major rice belt of the state and the nation. With flood coming into account, food situation can only get worse, pushing more people into poverty traps with impending food shortage. The continuous havoc on Major Farms and the destruction of crops and other Farm produced will definitely have a spill over effect on the economy of the nation and also frustrate the diversification effort of both the state and federal government as Farm produced are regularly washed away by this annual flood.

    Be that as it may, the fact that this is a yearly occurrence, means that government will continued to suffer major setback Agriculturally because Edo State and Edo North in particular is known for farming and contribute major quarter in the production of Rice, Yams, and other major Agricultural products in the nation. There is urgent need for government to protect the nations economy against waste as well as protect the People of Afemai land from continuous losses on a yearly basis.

    The duty of government is not to lament with the people of Etsako land but to find a lasting solution to this biting yearly incident. Same time last year and previous years, similar issue occurred when several schools, markets and worship centres both Mosques and Churches were submerged by the flood. The ugly incident has continually cause educational, spiritual, economic and financial set back to affected communities. It will be the joy of the people of Edo State if the Federal Government and concerned relevant national and international Non Governmental Organisation can intervene including good spirited individuals in providing lasting solution to avoid a re-occurrence in the coming year.

    The attitude of government in abandoning project has plunged the people into more pain. The IDP camp under construction in the area by government was abandoned and uncompleted giving the people more reason to worry and a sense of insecurity. Despite the mobilisation of preliminary relief efforts to the affected areas by the Edo State government, the weight of burden is still obvious because it is a weight too heavy for the state to bear. There is therefore an urgent need for the Federal government through its relevant agency to support the effort of the state government in order to provide support and hope to the people who are currently homeless and vulnerable due to natural disaster and poor preparation by the Federal government.

    Deputy Governor of the state who is from the area Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Senator Representing Edo North Senator Francis Alimikhena, Member representing Etsako Federal Constituency Hon. John Oghuma, Member Representing Edo Central in the State House of Assembly Barr. Lawani Demian as well as the governor’s representative and Hon Commissioner Mr. Mika Osigbemhe, Hon. Marvelous Zubiri and other aides of the state government from the area have constantly been on the spot to provide instant relief to the people and to ascertain the level of destruction of lives and properties, livestocks, crops and other valuables. one life was recorded to have been loss in the flood and properties worth millions gone.

    The Effort of the state government in establishing temporary schools
    For these victim is not possible due to the fact that the IDP camp is not yet ready and other schools are currently in section. Apart from the educational vacuum which has been created to the children, there is also an urgent need for the federal government to provide mobile medical clinic to the victim to avoid rapid outbreak of epidemic or emergencies. Provision of boats to easy movement of more victim who are still currently trapped by the ravaging flood will help to save more lives.

    Meanwhile leaders of the community have a different perspective to the activities of NEMA and other agencies of Government. According to them, food and other relief materials is not their problem. Rather government should provide a lasting solution to their yearly problem of climate change flooding by constructing the various roads with drains as well as draining of the dams among other.
    Farmers whose livelihood may have been washed away by the flood need to be supported by granting them soft loans, seedlings and fertilizer. There should also be a practical effort to move them from subsistence farming to mechanized farming.

    A major lasting effort expected by the federal government is the compensation to villages that are worse hit by the disaster. Government should as part of permanent solution, construct the roads and good drainages in Udaba-Ekperi – connecting Ofukpo Agbabu Osomhegbe Udochi communities should be constructed immediately as this will help to access the place whenever floods happens to send relief materials and dredging of the river belt will also prevent the yearly menace and therefore create permanent solution.

    Benjamin Atu is the Personal Assistant to Senator Francis Alimikhena. A public affairs analyst wrote from Igiode in Agenebode . senatorbenatu@gmail.com
    08038847596.

  • Brace up for more flooding, Basin Authority tells Nigerians

    The Niger Basin Authority on Tuesday warned of more flooding in Nigeria.

    The NBA noted that any progressive increase in water levels could have significant impacts on people and property in flood prone areas.

    The agency is a regional body of nine-member countries in West and Central Africa, namely – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

    The NBA said it noticed progressive increase in water level in River Niger at 580 cm, a development that culminated in its Yellow alert issued on September 7.

    In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) urged the Federal and state governments to prepare sites for a possible flood situation.

    The statement reads: “Since September 1, 2017, a yellow alert on water level was reached at the hydrometric station of Niamey. This yellow alert lasted seven days until September 7, 2017 with a progressive increase of water level until reaching the yellow level limit of 580 cm.

    “The Orange alert level was reached on September 7, 2017. Forecasts and gages reading from upstream Niamey showed that this orange alert situation will last the next three days.

    “It should be noted that at this orange alert level, any progressive increase of water levels could have significant impacts on people and property in areas of flood risk.

    “In this situation of orange alert, it is suggested to prepare sites for a possible flood situation.

    “The rise of water level at Niamey will propagate downstream toward Malanville station in Republic of Benin and the station of Jidere Bode upstream Kainji Dam in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Riparian people should be particularly vigilant, especially those living in areas at flood risk.”

  • Flooding: House will soon pass climate change commission bill – Dogara

    Flooding: House will soon pass climate change commission bill – Dogara

    …Commiserates with Benue flood victims

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the flooding that has displaced over a hundred thousand people in the state and destroyed properties in 12 local government areas.

    The Speaker also expressed deep sympathy for all the victims who lost their livelihoods, homes, business, farmlands, and families of those who died in the unfortunate natural disaster.

    He disclosed that the House is in the final stages of providing legal framework to address natural disasters caused by the effects of climate change.

    “I sympathise with the government and people of Benue State over the loss caused by the floods that ravaged their homes, farmlands and businesses and displacement of over 100,000 people from their homes.

    “This is one flooding too many and emphasises the urgent need for targeted solutions to the problems affecting our environment.

    “The House of Representatives has already gone far in this regard, with a Bill for the Establishment of an Agency dealing exclusively with Climate Change issues”

    He further enjoined “National Emergency Management Agency, Ecological Funds Office and other relevant government agencies to urgently come to the aid of Benue State and the victims”.

  • Flooding: Lagos govt confirms 2 deaths in upsurge of acute diarrhoea cases

    Flooding: Lagos govt confirms 2 deaths in upsurge of acute diarrhoea cases

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, on Tuesday confirmed that two deaths had been recorded from the 27 cases line-listed in acute diarrhoea disease in some local government areas.

    Idris, alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Information, Mr Steve Ayorinde, made this known at a joint news conference in Lagos.

    He said that the upsurge of acute diarrhoea cases was the aftermath of flooding experienced by residents in some parts of the state following heavy rainfall in the last few days.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the council areas where the diarrhoea disease was recorded were Shomolu, Oshodi-Isolo and Surulere.

    Idris said that the state government had put some measures in place to check the spread of the disease.

    According to him, six of the cases were reported in Shomolu, two in Oshodi-Isolo and 14 in Surulere council area.

    Idris said that acute diarrhoea disease with or without vomiting was caused by a bacteria disease transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infective faeces.

    The commissioner appealed to Lagos residents to imbibe proper hygiene including, handwashing, washing of fruits and vegetables before eating.

    He also advised them to boil water from unsafe sources before drinking and always ensure that they cover their foods and water all the time.

    In his remarks, Ayorinde appealed to the mass media to help sensitise the residents, especially the young ones, on the danger of playing inside the flood water.

    Ayorinde said that the state government would roll out a new set of sensitisation on the social media in addition to the ones already being aired on the conventional media.

     

  • We will ensure best solution to Lagos flooding – Ambode

    We will ensure best solution to Lagos flooding – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says his administration is taking immediate steps to find a holistic solution to the problem of flooding in the state.

    Ambode spoke on Monday at the Water Technology and Environmental Control (WATEC) sensitisation programme in Lagos.

    The country’s commercial nerve centre has been battling with flooding which hit several parts of the city in the last few days as a result of torrential rainfall.

    Areas worst hit include the highbrow Lekki-Victoria Island axis, where motorists, on Saturday, spent up to six hours to escape the water-logged roads and expressway.

    Heavy floods took over the entire Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, forcing some residents and commercial offices to unceremoniously vacate their premises.

    The Lagos State Police Command had temporarily closed the road to human and vehicular movement due to threat by heavy flood.

    Ambode said on Monday that there was even more urgent need to embark upon a review and re-engineering of the canals and drainage systems in the state.

    According to him, this must be pursued hand in hand with a clear and crystal re-envisioning of the water management system.

    “For the past few days, the state and indeed most parts of Nigeria, have witnessed torrential rainfall which are quite unprecedented.

    “We have witnessed our most prime estates flooded with water; we have seen our roads taken over by floods, and we have painfully watched how many homesteads have literally become pools.

    “These indeed are trying times for any government, especially our own administration, which has determinedly pursued massive infrastructural development, to improve standards of living of our citizenry,” Ambode said.

    He said that the government would be stronger in enforcing physical planning laws, especially those building illegally on canals and blocking the free-flow of water across the state.

    The governor said his administration would reinvigorate its campaign against the dumping of refuse by citizens into canals.
    Ambode said that access to and management of water resources, as well as environmental control, remained one of the greatest challenges facing most parts of the developing world.

    He said that Israel, which Lagos State had decided to partner with in developing water technology and environmental control, was one of the first countries to successfully overcome its limitations in water resources.

    “Our intention is to explore a wide array of technological advancements and possibilities, to ensure that we obtain the best solution to a rather nagging problem,” he said.

    The governor said the incidence of flooding was not circumscribed to Nigeria alone, nor was it a peculiarity of the Third World.Ambode recalled that the UK was heavily flooded this year and, indeed, witnessed some of its worst flooding since records started in 1901.

    He added that Japan, a country that was equally technologically savvy, had also not been spared heavy flooding this year.

    “No matter how well a society may be prepared, we can never rule out the element of the natural or if you like, the supernatural.

    “This is why Lagos State, and indeed Nigeria, fully subscribes to the tenets of Climate Change Solutions by the United Nations,” Ambode said.

    He said the aforementioned examples enjoined government to put the experience and pains into perspective and learn from all them to better prepare for the future.

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass, said the sensitisation programme was a prelude to WATEC Israel 2017 conference, taking place from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14.

    Abass said that key stakeholders would come together at the conference to deliberate on some critical issues on water technology and environmental control.

    The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Guy Feldman, said that every challenge faced created room for planning and solutions.

    He noted that floods made the second highest damage out of all natural disasters.