Anxiety in 15 prone states over poor preparations

Residents lament: Nowhere to relocate By Dayo Johnson, Festus Ahon, Egufe Yafugborhi, Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu Emma Una, Femi Bolaji, Chinonso Alozie, Ola Ajayi, Monsur Olowopeju, David Odama, Charles Agwam, Monsuru Olowoopejo, Umar Yusuf & Kabir DanKatsina Findings by Sunday Vanguard revealed that 15 states, identified as being threatened by flooding across Nigeria, are already putting measures in place but are challenged by funds, especially ecological money. Most of the states which were recently placed on red alert by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, are funding the battle against the disaster amid non-release of the funds meant for disaster management.

The states include Niger, Lagos, Edo, Imo, Abia, Jigawa, Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Oyo, Enugu, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory. The NIHSA had asked them to expect more flooding, adding that flood from the upper reaches of the Niger Basin comprising Guinea, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivorie, Benin, Chad and Cameroon would be arriving Nigeria next month. Across most states, Sunday Vanguard observed that multi-stakeholder steps are being taken, especially sensitisation and relocation of those living in places regarded as flashpoints. In most of the states, the flood resulted in the loss of lives and property and destruction of farmlands. RIVERS:‘Never been this ready’ On August 15, the state government met with National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, all Local Governments Areas, LGAs, Permanent Secretaries of six focal ministries and key security agencies to come up with measures against flooding. In response to the to the prediction by NHSA and NEMA, Rivers State governor, Mr, Nyesom Wike created flood response systems in Degema, Onelga, Obio Akpor, Abua/Odua, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Gokana, Opopo, Port Harcourt City, Bonny, Gokanna, Oyigbo and Etche LGAs. According to the Media Assistant to the governor, Mr. Simon Nwakudu, other LGAs would receive attention. Nwakaudu said: “The government would ensure that residents of flood-prone areas vacate before the floods come. Relevant ministries, namely Environment, Health, Special Duties, Information and Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government have been mandated to work with affected Local Government Areas to tackle the predicted flood and mitigate the impact on Rivers people. NEMA representative at the meeting convened by the Rivers State Government, Mr. Egwu Damian, assured the state of early information sharing, adducing the reoccurring flooding in the state to its location by the bank of the Atlantic Ocean. Asked if the state has received Ecological Funds this year, Nwakaudu declined direct response, urging Sunday Vanguard to rather verify from the federal government. “Floods should not be politicised. Floods should not be used to seek attention,” Nwakudu added. However, a senior state official, who pleaded anonymity, said Rivers has not received ecological funds this year. The state official added: “The multi-stakeholders preparedness against flooding this year in Rivers has never been this proactive. There is now in place for the first time, Local Emergency Management Teams at the local government level to enhance prompt response. CROSS RIVER3,000 to be relocated No fewer than 3000 people are to be relocated by the Cross River State government from flood-prone areas. Acting Director-General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Princewill Ayim, told Sunday Vanguard that those living in flood-prone areas have been asked to relocate to upland areas to avoid being swept away by the flood. “Based on the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NIMET, forecast on flooding which may occur in the state, Governor Ben Ayade asked the Ministry of Lands to make land available to communities that occupy flood-prone areas. The communities are Alesi and Osokora in Ofutop in Ikom LGA, and Ovonum in Obubra LGA.” He said the directive by the governor is to prevent the kind of flooding experienced in 2012 which swept away Agwagwune community in Biase LGA. “The decision is in the interest of the people. They cannot resist it because we cannot afford to witness what happened in 2012.” Ayim also added that the government would build permanent houses on the land already earmarked for the people to serve as a camp. He said the state needs assistance to accomplish the relocation exercise. “Cross River State has the highest number of refugees in the country and with this relocation scheme, we desperately need the assistance of the international community, the federal government and donor