The House of Representatives, has called for urgent precautionary measure against effects of the predicted flood risks in 22 states and the FCT, inviting the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas to explain efforts so far made.
Also invited is leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The House has further called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and state governments to activate evacuation protocols for communities along flood plains and ensure that affected populations have access to temporary shelters, medical services, and other forms of support.
While urging the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Water Resources to carry out an immediate assessment of drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas and work to reduce blockages that could worsen flooding, the House also directed that the Federal Government through its relevant Ministries and agencies should collaborate with state governments to enhance their disaster preparedness capabilities and ensure the quick deployment of rescue teams, relief materials, and medical assistance where needed.
This followed a motion on Wednesday on Urgent Need for Precautionary Measures to Mitigate Predicted Flood Risks in 22 States and the FCT, sponsored by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, recalling a report from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, published in the media on October 14, 2024.
“The identified locations most at risk of severe flooding include communities along the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, in states such as Osun, Delta, Cross River, Anambra, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kebbi, among others”, the lawmaker said, adding that the rainfall and potential flooding are predicted from the 14th to the 18th of October 2024, threatening both life and property.
“The predicted heavy rainfall and resulting floods could have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities, leading to displacement, loss of property, destruction of infrastructure, and potential loss of lives if adequate precautionary mechanisms are not put in place to protect citizens in these areas”, he cautioned.