Kogi State Prepares for Predicted Flooding

Following the release of Lagbo dam by the Camerounian government and the warning by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, of expected flooding, Kogi State government has warned residents along the Riverine areas to move to a higher ground.

The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, who stated this in his office in Lokoja yesterday, after a meeting of the State Flood Management Committee, however, said the state was in a better position to handle any effects of flooding that might occur this year.

Awoniyi, who said the State Flood. Management Standing Committee had identified nine local government areas, including Ibaji, Bassa, Idah, Lokoja, Kogi, Ajaokuta, Omla, Ofu and Igalamela as areas to be affected by the predicted flooding, said adequate preparation had been made to tackle the situation.
He said:  “We understand the anxieties arising from the increase in water level in the state; but I can assured that the state government is better prepared now to handle the predicted flooding. The 2012 edition which was the first of its kind has taught us what we needed to do.
“We have make provision to embark on immediate sensitisation to all the expected LGAs where the flood will hit; the television and radio jingles will still continue; the state is also going to meet with the community leaders, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders to tell them how we intends to manage the flooding.

‘’We will involve the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, the Red Cross on their roles to help mitigate the effects of the flood”
He said the state had set up IDPs camps but noted that unlike the 2012 episode, school compounds would not be used.
“We don’t intend to disrupt school activities. This year; schools will not be used as IDP camps.
“This year flood will not be dramatic like the 2012. We only urge the people to pray and obey instruction to compliments the government’s preparation.
‘’People should pray that just like the expected flooding of 2013 that never come.  This year may be like that too.

‘’It is something to pray, but its more better to prepare and obey. The state is prepared but the people in the earmarked areas should obey instruction.”




http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/kogi-prepared-for-predicted-flooding-says-govt/