The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted States in the South East geopolitical zone of the country to brace up for possible flood disaster this year.
The South East zonal Director of NEMA, Mr. Walson Ibarakumo Brandon, who gave the warning in a chat with journalists in Enugu on Monday, stated that 14 local government areas across Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra states are most prone to the flood disaster.
He also advised them on the need to clear drainages and waterways to reduce the impact or eliminate the disaster.
According to him, his agency met recently with sister agencies including Nigeria Metrological Services Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to map out strategies on how to mitigate the disaster and embark on massive public enlightenment campaigns.
He said, “From the recent annual flood outlook, in Enugu state, we have Enugu South LGA, Enugu East LGA and then Oji River. These are the three LGAs that are characterized as highly probable high-risk areas under the annual flood outlook released by Nigeria Metrological Services Agency, which is a federal agency.
“In Ebonyi, we have Afikpo North, Ikwo, Ezza South, Ohaukwu and Ebonyi LGAs.
“In Anambra we have Orumba North, Awka South, Anaocha, Oyi, Dunukofia and Njikoka LGAs. So when we carry out our sensitization we are going to focus on those highlighted areas.”
“I will implore that those in the flood-prone communities should not fall back, they should not just wait for the government; local, state or federal government, they should be on the alert and contact the appropriate agencies whenever incidences that are beyond their coping capability come up,” he counselled
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