CSO to N’Delta states: Take proactive measures against flood

September 17, 2024

AS flood devastates northern states, a civil society organisation, CSO, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, yesterday, urged Niger Delta state governments, especially and other Southern states, to urgently take proactive measures against looming flood disaster.

It will be recalled last week, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, during a press briefing alerted the governors and local government chairmen in the Niger Delta region and other southern states to put in place measures to mitigate the coming flood disaster that would hit the region following the rising levels of Rivers Niger and Benue.

Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, said: “We strongly advise the governors and relevant agencies to take immediate and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the predicted flood.

This include evacuating residents in flood-prone areas to safe zones and providing emergency shelters, conducting public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on flood safety measures, ensure drainage systems are clear and functional to prevent blockages, and stockpile emergency relief materials such as food, water, and sanitation kits.

Additionally, activating emergency response plans and teams to quickly respond to the disaster, collaborating with local communities, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response, and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, is crucial.

Most importantly, we recommend that the government invest in long-term solutions to address the root causes of flooding, including environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable land use practices, restoring natural buffers like wetlands and forests, and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure development.

“Moreover, supporting climate change adaptation and resilience-building initiatives, enhancing early warning systems and flood forecasting, and promoting community-led flood management approaches will help reduce the risk and impact of flooding.

“By taking these proactive and comprehensive measures, we can minimise the devastating effects of the predicted flood, protect lives and livelihoods, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for all Nigerians.

“Beyond the warning from the Federal Government, they still have that coordinating responsibility to ensure the states comply and deploy its relevant agencies as well to deal with this perennial problem.”

Further, he said: “State and local governments have a crucial role to play in mitigating the impact of flooding in Nigeria. Despite warnings and predictions, many state and local governments have been slow to respond, leaving vulnerable communities to bear the brunt of the disaster.

To address this, they must prioritise flood awareness campaigns, clear drainage systems, and relocate vulnerable populations from floodplains. They must also activate emergency preparedness measures and work closely with NEMA and other relevant agencies to provide support to affected communities.

“Furthermore, state and local governments must partner the Federal Government to take proactive steps to address the root causes of flooding, including deforestation, land degradation, and poor urban planning.”

Vanguard