National Orientation Agency Alerts Communities Along River Benue of Impending Flooding

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By Yusuf Usman Maina

The National Orientation Agency NOA has embarked on sensitization tour to eleven Flood prone states across the country predicted to be affected by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroun..

The essence of the tour is to alert the populace especially communities along the banks of river Benue on the impending danger and the need to take precautionary measures by relocating to safer grounds.

Director General of NOA Mr Lanre Issa Onilu announced this at a Media and stakeholders “Engagement on Flood Safety Alert” at the state office of the Agency in lafia the Nasarawa state capital.

Represented by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics Alhaji Kobi Yusuf, the DG noted that the Agency had activated its offices in the local government areas of the eleven states expected to be impacted by the flooding..

According to Mr Lanre Onilu the precautionary measures to take include…Evacuation from flood prone areas,
Building of flood defenses such as levees,dikes and barriers.
Ensure drainage systems are well maintained and clear of debris and
Stockpile essential emergency supplies like food,water,medicine,and first Aid kits at easily accessible locations..

The NOA DG emphasized that the Agency is working in close partnership with the media and Traditional institution to ensure that the message gets to the appropriate quarters to avoid loss of lives and minimize damages that may occur during the flooding..

“I want to thank our partners in this campaign that is the Media, for their support and cooperation to create awareness to the people especially in the frontline states on the flood safety alert campaign to ensure their safety during and after the impending disaster..The DG noted.

Nasarawa state Director of NOA, Doctor Priscilla Gondoaluor, expressed worry that some communities were submerged by water this year as a result of torrential rainfall in the state capital Lafia ,which has created fear among residents that there could be more flooding in days to come..

Doctor Gondoaluor said the agency in the state had taken proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the flooding by disseminating information,distribution of Education and communication materials translated in local languages to create massive grassroots awareness.

“Arrangements have been concluded to embark on advocacy to traditional and Religious leaders in communities along the river banks to sensitise them on the need to take the safetyalert seriously” Doctor Gondoaluor assures..

A traditional ruler the Aren Koron Kuje community in lafia local government area Sunday Namo while commending the NOA for the proactive approach to ensure safety of citizens,gave an assurance to go and inform his subjects on the precautionary measures to be taken against flooding..

The Nigerian Hydrological services Agency had announced that Cameroon authorities have informed Nigeria that the Lagdo Dam is overflowing, which could cause significant flooding and environmental damage in Nigeria..

The Eleven states predicted to be affected by the flooding include. Adamawa,Taraba,Benue, Nasarawa,Kogi, Anambra, Edo and Delta..others are Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.

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