Flooding in Niger delta, CSO’s on high alert

As northern states face severe flooding, the civil society organization ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged Niger Delta and other southern state governments to take immediate action to prevent potential flood disasters.

Last week, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, warned regional governors and local government officials to prepare for anticipated flooding due to rising levels in the Rivers Niger and Benue.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of AAN, emphasized the need for swift, proactive measures to mitigate the effects of the predicted floods. He recommended evacuating residents from flood-prone areas to safe zones, providing emergency shelters, conducting public awareness campaigns on flood safety, ensuring drainage systems are functional, and stockpiling relief materials like food, water, and sanitation kits.

Mamedu also stressed the importance of activating emergency response plans, collaborating with local communities and stakeholders, and focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and children. Additionally, he urged the government to invest in long-term solutions to address the causes of flooding, such as environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. This includes sustainable land use practices, restoring natural buffers like wetlands, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure.

He further suggested enhancing climate change adaptation, improving early warning systems, and promoting community-led flood management to reduce flooding risks.

Mamedu criticized state and local governments for their slow response despite federal warnings, urging them to prioritize flood awareness, clear drainage systems, relocate vulnerable populations, and activate emergency preparedness measures. He called for closer cooperation with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to address the underlying causes of flooding, including deforestation and poor urban planning.

Source: Gabriel Ewepu