Flooding : FG Asks Nigerians To Prepare

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians to get prepared for flood, especially states around the River Benue.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joesph Terlumun- Utsev gave this warning at a news conference in Abuja.

Professor Utsev stressed that the volume of water has not increased but there was need to prepare ahead to guard against loss of lives and property.

“In light of the aforementioned factors, it is imperative for all levels of government—federal, state, and local goverments to heighten the level of preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimize the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season” Professor Utsev stressed.

The minister explained that despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters.

“The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022” .

He said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, has however maintained a professional and organizational relationship with Cameroon’s National Hydrological Services to exchange information on water releases.

He added that the ministry is ready to collaborate with states and stakeholders to see that the issue of flooding is addressed.

Professor Utsev urged States and Local Governments to intensify efforts in sensitizing the general public on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during this peak period of rainfall.

“Recognizing Nigeria’s downstream position in relation to the nine-member countries of the Niger River Basin, it is important to acknowledge the period of heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood-related disasters that typically occur during July, August, September, and October” he emphasized.

He called for the clearing of blocked drainages, construction of new ones where they do not exist and removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains.

The minister appealed to the general public, especially road users to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji