*NEMA Issues Fresh Warnings of Impending Heavy Rainfall
In a dramatic plenary session, the Senate took urgent action to address the impending threat of flooding in several parts of Nigeria.
The lawmakers were spurred into action by the forecasted heavy rainfall in 2023, which was expected to surpass the previous year’s
levels.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had already issued fresh warnings that 178 local government areas in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were at high risk of flooding.
During the impassioned debate on Wednesday, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman presented a motion titled “Urgent Need to Intervene in the Flooding Issues in Sagamu, Ijebu areas of Ogun-East and Edu, Patigi areas of Kwara-North and other parts of the country.”
Senator Daniel emphasized the vulnerability of Lagos, Ogun, and Kwara states to coastal flooding due to a rise in sea levels and the
possible release of excess water from the Oyan Dam.
He also highlighted specific communities, such as Owa, Ijebu-Ode, Eruwru, and Ebute Kimobi, which were at immediate risk of flash floods between July and November 2023.
The devastating consequences of previous floods were not forgotten, as reports of destruction, displacement, and loss of life were shared.
Examples included the displacement of residents in Lagos State, the loss of a child swept away by floodwaters in Delta State, and the erosion effects in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.
The senators recognized the urgency of taking preventive measures to mitigate the
potential loss of lives and properties.
The discussion further intensified as Senator Isah Jibrin called for the construction of dams and dredging to address the recurring issue of floods in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for long-lasting
solutions and the relocation of individuals living in flood-prone areas, particularly in Kogi State.
Senator Ireti Kingibe highlighted the urgent situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and urged the relevant authorities to find permanent solutions, holding the development control and responsible individuals accountable.
In his contribution, Senator Darlington Neokocha emphasized the importance of strong representation and effective oversight functions to address issues such as bad roads and insecurity before they escalate.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for an investigation into previous allocations for river dredging and dam construction across the country.
Expressing his deep disappointment, Oshiomhole took a bold stance and highlighted the substantial amount of money that had been earmarked by the previous administration for the enhancement of waterways transportation and flood control.
Despite these hefty appropriations, he pointed out that no significant progress had been made in terms of drainage systems or flood containment measures.
After extensive deliberation, the Senate passed several resolutions.
They urged the relevant government agencies to release funds allocated in the 2023 budget for dredging blocked canals and water bodies.
They also called on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to reconsider the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam and other dams to accommodate the floodwaters from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
Additionally, they requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to affected communities nationwide and urged the federal government to develop lasting solutions to the flood problem.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through the Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood notice, alerting the public to potential heavy rains and flooding in various locations across 14 states and 31 cities.
In an official statement obtained on Wednesday, the government emphasized the need for preparedness and preventative measures during the period from July 4 to July 8.
According to the statement, the states and communities at risk include; Plateau (specifically Langtang and Shendam), Kano (Sumaila and Tudun Wada), Sokoto (Shagari, Goronyo, and Silame), and Delta (Okwe).
Additionally, the flood alert extends to Katsina (Katsina, Jibia, Kaita, and Bindawa), Adamawa (Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-Belwa, Jimeta, and Yola), Akwa Ibom (Upenekang), Kaduna (Kachia), Kebbi (Wara, Yelwa, and Gwandu), Zamfara (Shinkafi and Gummi), Borno (Briyel), Jigawa (Gwaram), Kwara (Jebba), and Niger (Mashegu and Kontagora).
The government, recognizing the potential risks associated with flooding, has called upon key stakeholders in the affected states to implement preventative measures. The primary objective is to safeguard lives and minimize property damage caused by the adverse weather conditions.
With the storm projection spanning from July 4 to July 8, 2023, it is crucial for residents and authorities in the following locations to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions:
Plateau State: Shendam and Langtang
Kano State: Sumaila and Tudun Wada
Sokoto State: Shagari, Goronyo, and Silame
Delta State: Okwe
Kaduna State: Kachia
Akwa Ibom State: Upenekang
Adamawa State: Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-belwa, Jimeta, and Yola
Katsina State: Jibia, Kaita, Bindawa, and Katsina
Kebbi State: Wara, Yelwa, and Gwandu
Zamfara State: Shinkafi and Gummi
Borno State: Briyel
Jigawa State: Gwaram
Kwara State: Jebba
Niger State: Mashegu and Kontagora
To prevent the loss of life and minimize damage to property, all relevant parties are strongly urged to take immediate preventative action.
This includes implementing flood preparedness measures, ensuring proper drainage systems, and staying updated with weather advisories and emergency instructions provided by the authorities.