Flood Alert in Nasarawa State: Riverine Communities Urged to Relocate
A recent flood safety alert issued by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, has urged riverine communities living on the fringes of River Benue to relocate to higher grounds due to the impending flood. The warning comes as the river’s water level continues to rise, following the release of waters from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
According to NOA’s Director General, Lanre Onilu, the appeal is necessary to prevent loss of lives and property in the event of flooding. The agency is conducting a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the 11 flood-prone states in the country, including Nasarawa. The campaign aims to encourage communities to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding.
In a press engagement, Onilu emphasized the need for stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the media, to work together to amplify the flood safety alert. He called on NOA officers to take people’s responses on flood-related issues and submit a comprehensive report to the government to inform mitigation measures.
The Director of NOA in Nasarawa State, Priscilla Gondoaluor, highlighted the devastating effects of flooding in the state, which has claimed lives and destroyed properties over the past three years. She advised flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures such as evacuation, cleaning of drains, building of flood defence barriers, and stockpiling essential supplies.
Traditional rulers in the state have also taken the initiative to create awareness and educate their subjects to relocate from valleys to higher grounds. The Aren Koron Kuje, Mr Sunday Namo, commended NOA for the initiative and emphasized the importance of educating subjects on issues of great importance, including flood safety.
The National Orientation Agency’s flood safety alert comes as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness and proactive measures in preventing loss of lives and property in the face of flooding.
