Flooding: Edo government and NEMA urge residents to move to higher ground

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on residents living on the banks of the Niger River in the state to relocate to higher ground.

The disaster management agency, in conjunction with the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has also urged residents living in other flood-prone areas of the state to move to safer places to avoid disasters.

NEMA's Chief Operating Officer, Benin Office, Dahiru Yusuf, made the call Monday in Benin during a public forum organized by the agency in collaboration with Edo SEMA.

Mr. Yusuf said the meeting was convened to determine the level of preparedness of residents in local government areas prone to flooding and to ensure a better response from 2022.

"We advise people to leave flood-prone areas because, if they occur, they would be devastating.

“But, we are struggling to get them to move; many of them don't want to go to camp.

"They don't want to leave their ancestral home for a safer place where the government would provide the necessary facilities until the flood subsides.

"They have to make sure the drains are clear and not blocked, respect the construction plan, because we found out that some of the flooding, especially not on the river bank, is due to construction or another," he advised.< /p>

Mr. Yusuf said the agency was working to ensure the state's IDP camps were in good condition, fumigated and had the necessary amenities in place to ensure they were habitable for victims in the event of flooding. .

He said, however, that the agency has already begun to sensitize the local emergency committee on what needs to be done to mitigate the effects of the floods.

Earlier, Edo SEMA Director Helen Obayuwana said the state government was concerned as the NIMET prediction had added three additional flood-prone local government areas in the state.

>

"We must recognize that flood prevention is essential and by investing in strong infrastructure, early warning systems and land use planning, we can significantly reduce the vulnerability of our communities to flooding" , she said.

Ms. Obayuwana noted that proper drainage systems and well-maintained canals could help channel water safely and prevent catastrophic flooding.

She added that flood preparedness, mitigation and response were not the sole responsibility of governments and emergency response services, instructing individuals and communities to take action to protect their lives. houses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, FRSC, NSCDC, Cross- Rouge, Edo SEMA and representatives from local government flood-prone areas.

(NAN)

Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available...