Oghenero Orovwuje
The Delta State Government has said that residents in the state should note that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had announced that 28 states, including Delta State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would likely experience flooding this year, 2021.
Similarly, the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) in its 2021 seasonal climatic forecast has also observed that signals monitored by the agency indicated that the country would likely experience unprecedented heavy downpours.
Consequently, the state government had alerted communities along the banks of the Rriver Niger in the following local government areas of Oshimili South and North, Ndokwa East and West, Isoko North and South, Ughelli South, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Aniocha South, Sapele, Warri North and South, Warri South West and Udu and other flood prone areas in the state of the likelihood of strong impacts during the forecasted imminent flood.
A statement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) enjoined authorities of the local government councils, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders to educate and advise their subjects to step up preparation against the flood prediction in order to reduce the level of destruction of lives and properties.
As a further cautionary measure, the state government charged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage systems and natural water ways and to also avoid building on natural water ways.
It also advised that people living on the banks of the River Niger should plan to relocate to higher grounds before the level of the river started rising.
