Following the recent flood prediction by the federal government forecasting a high risk of flooding in Rivers State, some groups have called on the Rivers State Government to commence early preparations for intervention programmes for the impending flood.
The Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev revealed the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook prepared by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency during an event in Abuja.
Joseph Utsev explained that the annual flood outlook serves as a comprehensive guide to mitigate the impact of floods on communities across the country.
However, a Non-Governmental Organization based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Rainbow Watch and Development Centre has expressed concern about the recent prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) forecasting a high risk of flooding in Rivers State.
The Rainbow Watch and Development Centre in a statement by its Executive Director Michael Gbarale called on the Rivers State Government and all Local Government Chairmen within the state to take immediate steps to prepare interventions and safeguard the lives and properties of the citizens ahead of the impending flood.
“The safety and well-being of the residents of Rivers State must be the top priority as we face the looming threat of flooding. The government at all levels must work together to put in place robust contingency plans, early warning systems, and emergency response strategies to effectively deal with this crisis.
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre urge the Rivers State Government and Local Government Chairmen to allocate necessary resources, coordinate efforts with relevant agencies, and engage with communities to ensure preparedness and resilience in the face of the predicted flood” he said.
The Executive Director of the Rainbow Watch and Development Centre Michael Gbarale also called for the establishment of temporary shelters, evacuation routes, and provision of essential supplies to assist those who may be affected.
He noted that the group stands ready to support and collaborate with the government and all stakeholders in these crucial efforts to safeguard the people of Rivers State.
“We must act swiftly and decisively to protect our communities, infrastructure, and natural environment from the devastating impact of flooding. Failure to take proactive measures now could result in loss of lives, displacement of families, and widespread destruction. Rainbow Watch and Development Centre stands ready to support and collaborate with the government and all stakeholders in these crucial efforts to safeguard the people of Rivers State. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger and more resilient” he said.
Act now- APC tasks Rivers State Government
In the meantime, a faction of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State has called on the Rivers State Government to commence immediate preparations for the flood alert recently predicted by the federal government.
The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State Darlington Nwauju while reacting to the flood prediction by the federal government asked Governor Siminialayi Fubara to fill the gap of infrastructural deficit in flood-prone areas in the state especially the Orashi region which comprises of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East and Ahoada West and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas.
He said that the government should use the ecological funds to commence the construction of canals to effectively manage the flood situation in the state.
Darlington Nwauju advised Governor Fubara to take the blueprint of the APC Governorship candidate in Rivers State Tonye Cole who promised to adopt modern engineering techniques to solve the flood problems in the state.
He said that mitigating the negative impact of the flood would ensure food security in the state.
