FLOOD: BENUE ADMINISTRATION ADVISES INHABITANTS TO MOVE TO SECURE LOCATIONS

Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second

BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

In light of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) forecast regarding a forthcoming flood in Benue, the state administration has recommended that individuals residing in vulnerable zones relocate to more secure locations.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. James Iorpuu, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi that the government has also implemented measures to alleviate the adverse impacts of the forthcoming flood.

Iorpuu said that the ministry and the committee on flood embarked on a series of enlightenment campaigns.

The permanent secretary recommended that individuals living along waterways promptly move to safer locations.

He stated that the government has cleared all obstructed drainage systems within urban areas to facilitate the efficient flow of .

Iorpuu, who also serves on the Technical Committee for Disaster Response in Nigeria, indicated that the government has implemented electronic emergency platforms for the reporting, analysis, and response to emergencies.

He mentioned that the ministry has already reached out to the government to request funding for the support of anticipated flood victims.

Iorpuu, who is the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, noted that the ongoing multi-billion naira Idye drainage project is one of the proactive initiatives undertaken by the government to alleviate the effects of flooding.

“I would like to once again appeal to the people of Benue to vacate flood-prone areas.

“They are aware of themselves. Year after year, when flooding occurs, they evacuate, and once the situation improves, they return to their dwellings along the riverbanks. ”

Certain individuals have established their residences along waterways; we are imploring them to abandon these regions. Additionally, one can observe the actions of the governor in the state capital, constructing thoroughfares and water conduits to facilitate the unimpeded movement of water.

This inundation will not solely impact wildlife; it will also affect humans and agricultural lands, among others.

“We must alter our approach to waste management as well. You witnessed the events in Adamawa a few weeks ago, so I implore individuals to relocate to safer regions,” he stated.

NAN indicates that the administration has already designated facilities for prospective Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Additionally, a resident of Makurdi, Mr. James Ejembi, informed NAN that the only enduring resolution to the issue is the dredging of River Benue and the finalization of the Kamshimbila Dam.

Ejembi said that the dredging and completion of the dam would absorb the water that comes from Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon. (NAN)