The Delta State Government has warned residents of 16 local government areas (LGAs) of the State, especially communities along the banks of the River Niger to be at alert to the likelihood of flooding this year.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Government issued the warning in a statement emanating from the office of the Secretary the State Government (SSG).
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had announced that 28 States, including Delta and the federal capital territory (FCT) will most likely experience flooding this year.
Similarly, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) in its 2021 seasonal climatic forecast had also observed that signals monitored by the agency indicate that the country is very likely to experience unprecedented heavy downpour.
“Consequently, the State Government wishes to alert communities along the banks of the River Niger in the following local government areas of Oshimili South and North, Ndokwa East and West, Isoko North and South, Ughelli South, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Aniocha South, Sapele, Warri North and South, Warri South West and Udu of the likelihood of strong impact during the imminent flood,” the statement reads.
Authorities of the local government councils, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders have been advised to educate and advise their subjects to step up preparation against the flood prediction in order to reduce the level of destruction of lives and properties.
“As a further cautionary measure the state government charges citizens and residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage systems and natural waterways and to also avoid building on natural waterways,” the statement added.
It also advised that people living on the banks of the River Niger should plan to relocate to higher grounds especially when the level of the river starts rising.