Rivers State Government has confirmed that heavy rainfall that would lead to possible flooding will be experienced in Okrika and Degema local Government Areas this year, going by the prediction from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Special Duties Commissioner, Barr. Dickson Umunakwe made this known in an emergency meeting with the Chairmen of last year’s flood prone Local Government Areas of the State.
He explained that the meeting was aimed at alerting the Chairmen of the imminent flood and to take proactive measures geared towards reducing the impact associated with the disaster.
He urged them to take the flood alert to their people and set up relief committees who will establish camps in their various LGAs before the rain steps in.
The Commissioner said the government will make provision for marine ambulances and speed boats that will transport the would-be flood victims to the government designated camps, noting that, medical care and other improved social amenities will be put in place for their comfort.
He said the Ministry will collaborate with the relevant stakeholders including its power and Environment counterpart, Paramilitary, Red Cross among others to provide the needed aid for victims at the camps.
Barrister Umunakwe acknowledged the support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) who had sent in another round of relief materials for the flood victims, adding that the items will be distributed soon.
He said that he will meet with the various flood committees at the LGAs to pass across its flood sensitization message noting that the Ministry is not relenting, as it has already begun its flood alert jingles on radio, television and newspapers.
Responding on behalf of their colleagues, Chairman of Okrika Council, Barr. Tamuno Williams and his Degema counterpart, Hon Ibigoni Pokima assured the Commissioner that they will swing into action to ensure that they are not caught unawares.
It will be recalled that last year’s flood in the State affected over 800 thousand families, destroying farmlands, live stocks and personal belongings of the victims.
