The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged the Rivers State Government to construct emergency shelters to accommodate flood victims in the state.
Mr. Adebiyi Razak, the South-South Zonal Coordinator, appealed in an interview in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) recently warned of impending flooding in 11 states, following the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
Razak stated that the emergency shelters would serve as a temporary refuge for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during the anticipated flooding. “The IDP camps should be built on safer and higher grounds. Provisions should be made for food, medications, and other essential items,” he said.
The NEMA official emphasized the need to clear drainages and natural water channels to ensure proper water flow. “Early warning information should be disseminated in local dialects to ensure effective enlightenment at the grassroots,” Razak urged.
He also commended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for establishing a nine-member flood committee tasked with coordinating emergency responses and managing the effects of the incident. Razak encouraged the committee, led by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, to take prompt actions to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
The states predicted to be affected by the water release include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Rivers.
