By Onome Oghenetega
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has asked residents living in indentified flood-prone communities across the country to heed the recently flood warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) by vacating such areas to avert loss of lives and properties.
He also stated that as country moves closer to the peak of the raining season, government and non-government bodies should urgently implement strategies to prevent severe devastation.
Omo-Agege stated this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, where he emphasized that there was need to intensify sensitization and mobilization of Nigerians towards embracing preventive measures rather than the resort to condolence messages after the occurrence of avoidable disasters.
The Delta Central Senator expressed concerns about the implications of the 2019 flood warnings issued by NIHSA, stressing that early flood-prevention measures should urgently undertaken so as to avoid disastrous effects among Nigerians living in such areas.
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According to the statement, NIHSA had warned that the Federal and state governments may need to tackle likely re-occurrence of deaths and displacement through flooding in several parts of the country.
“NIHSA’s 2019 flood warnings indicate that there is crucial need for adequate early flood prevention measures, mitigation and preparedness by federal and state governments.
“It also indicates that coastal states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ondo and Rivers states are very likely to experience heavy coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge.
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“Indeed, severe flooding has commenced in several parts of the country, causing loss of lives and property but if appropriate and early preventive measures are not implemented on time, this could lead to high records of deaths, destroyed property, family displacement, disease outbreaks, agro-economic down turn, and other negative effects associated with flooding.
“In accordance with this warning, all state and federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations and all others who can play positive roles in mass sensitization and other relevant activities should commence early flood preventive measures before heavier rains commence in a few weeks,” Senator Omo-Agege stated.
