Flooding: State Bureau advises Deltans to brace up as rainfall worsen
…Says gov’t ‘ll provide medicare, camps, palliative for affected communities
As heavy rainfall is expected to worsen in Delta State, coupled with the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has appealed to residents to brace up for challenges associated with flooding.
Director General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe while speaking as guest of Voice of Delta FM and Trend FM public affairs programs in Asaba on Wednesday, disclosed that the National Flood Warning Systems Centre, NFWSC, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, had predicted heavy rainfall in 15 States, including Delta, from 24th to 28th September, that may result to serious flooding.
He stressed the need for residents in Abraka, Agbor, Asaba, Umuakwata, Aboh, Ozoro, Oleh, Otu-Jeremi and coastline communities, as well as persons living in floodplain areas to immediately relocate temporarily to upper land, taking with them valuable properties, children, people with disabilities and the elderly family members.
Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also a member of the State Flood Disaster Management Committee, Chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, is putting finishing touches to IDP camps in flashpoint communities, especially Ozoro, Otu-Jeremi, Patani, Kwale and Asaba, adding that the state government will provide Medicare through the Ministry of Health, generate light, provide toilets and other facilities at these IDP camps, as directed by the peoples governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Bureau Director General assured that the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, shall partner the State Flood Disaster Management Committee to assist displaced persons in some coastline communities, coupled with NEMA’s promise to provide free helicopter airlifting of persons in remote areas who may not be able to freely move from difficult terrains to upper land.
“Heavy rainfall has been predicted by relevant government agencies, coupled with release of water from Lagdo Dam by Cameroon authorities.
“It is important that residents in flashpoints and coastline communities are to immediately braise up for the challenges ahead, by relocating to upper land and IDP camps provided by the State government. Specific location of IDP camps will be announced very soon via the mass media.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered the committee and relevant ministries, department and agencies to also provide essential services to all displaced persons in IDP camps, especially in the area of medicare, security, light, toilets, food, while less affected communities shall receive Palliatives to cushion the effects of flooding.
“We urge those likely to be affected by the foreseeable flooding to immediately relocate to upper land, take with them valuable household items and all perishable items.
“It is time to be our brother’s keeper. Government alone cannot do everything. Companies should step up their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes by assisting the state government, care givers and partners to care for displaced persons.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori cares, and we as citizens must rise to the occasion by giving a helping hand to our neighbours,” Oghenesivbe said.
