The Ministry of Environment warns of heavy rainfall and dire consequences in the days ahead
The Federal Ministry of Environment has warned of imminent heavy rainfall which could cause flooding between now and October 27 in 19 states and Abuja.
Deputy Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management of the ministry, Dr. Morohunkeji Oyeleke, made the announcement. He identified the flood prone states as Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, Borno, Oyo, Niger, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Others are Taraba, Lagos, Osun, Bauchi, Sokoto, Plateau, Adamawa, Gombe, Imo, Ogun and Kebbi.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has reiterated the need for interagency synergy in managing disasters.
South West Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Iyiola Akande, said this in Lagos at a workshop on awareness and preparedness for emergencies at the local government level.
Akande said that unless disaster management and risks reduction were effectively driven at all levels, their management would be difficult and costly.
He underscored the importance of the Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) as the first responder to emergencies.
?The chairmen in different local governments are advised to strengthen the structure so that disasters can be averted or mitigate their effects.
?They are the direct link with key service delivery,?? Akande stated. He noted that the special relief fund allocated to the agency, as announced recently by President Goodluck Jonathan, would be deployed toward preventive activities against anticipated disasters.
On the recent flooding of several states following the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroun, Akande said the Federal Government had begun discussions with the government of that country, to prevent future occurrence.
According to him, the government plans to construct smaller dams along Rivers Niger and Benue for effective utilisation of water and prevention of future occurrence of flood.
NEMA officials in the six states as well as staff of some local governments in Lagos State attended the workshop.
