About sixteen Local Government Areas in Rivers State have been mapped out to be affected by the adverse rains as predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA).
Ahead of this, Governor Nyesom Wike has advised local government Chairmen and respective Ministries/Departments/Agencies (MDA) to prepare for emergency situations in flood-prone communities across the state.
While speaking at a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, with the affected council chairmen, NEMA officials, and the relevant MDAs in Port Harcourt, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted the importance of the meeting in order to prepare for emergencies that may arise as a result of flooding in the state.
He expressed concern, considering the precarious position of Rivers State in the predictions of NiMET and its geological position at the bank of the Atlantic Ocean.
Danagogo charged council Chairmen as Chief Security Officers of their localities, to be proactive in facing and overcoming the challenges of their residents in the time of the flood.
He stated that NEMA, which has cataloged the diverse challenges of emergency management during floods, needs the collaboration of the councils who know their communities better.
“His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, has directed me to interface with NEMA, council chairmen, and relevant ministries to guarantee that all parties know their roles in order to avert the expected flood that may result in the displacement of our people.
“I believe that by the time you synergize your experiences with the expertise from NEMA, we should be able to work and provide solutions against flood disaster in our state.
While commiserating with the Chairmen over the death of Hon. David Irimagha, Chairman of Bonny local government area, charged residents to maintain good sanitary conditions.
“I further urge residents of our dear state to imbibe good sanitary habits. Do not dump refuse in the gutters or build on water channels. Such crude habits will only compound flood situations across the state,” he added.
In his remarks, NEMA South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Tepikor noted the importance of state preparedness towards looming floods, which would likely affect many parts of the state.
He enjoined all persons living in flood-prone communities to be prepared and move out to designated camps if need be, as he noted that the rains will be adverse by the second week of November.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Onowu in his remarks acknowledged that camps were being prepared for predicted areas that might be affected in the 2021 scientific weather report.
Local government areas likely to be affected include Port Harcourt, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Etche, Eleme, Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, Khana, Oyigbo, Okrika, Tai, and Ogu/Bolo.
