Delta Government Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Flooding

ASABA/Nigeria: As heavy rains and water release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam are set to worsen flooding in Delta State, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau has urged residents to brace for the impending challenges.

Speaking on Wednesday during public affairs programmes on Voice of Delta FM and Trend FM in Asaba, the Bureau’s Director General, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, warned of potential serious flooding. He referenced predictions from the National Flood Warning Systems Centre (NFWSC) under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which indicated heavy rainfall in 15 states, including Delta, from 24th to 28th September.

Dr Oghenesivbe stressed the importance of immediate action, particularly for residents in areas such as Abraka, Agbor, Asaba, Umuakwata, Aboh, Ozoro, Oleh, Otu-Jeremi, and other coastline communities. He advised those living in flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate to higher ground, taking with them their children, elderly family members, people with disabilities, and valuable possessions.

As a member of the State Flood Disaster Management Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Oghenesivbe highlighted the state government’s preparations to support affected communities. He noted that Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps were being set up in key areas, including Ozoro, Otu-Jeremi, Patani, Kwale, and Asaba. These camps will be equipped with essential services such as healthcare, electricity, and sanitation, as directed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He assured that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will assist displaced persons. This includes NEMA’s commitment to providing helicopter airlifts for residents in remote areas where access to higher ground may be difficult.

“Heavy rainfall has been predicted by relevant government agencies, and with the release of water from Lagdo Dam, the situation is likely to worsen,” Oghenesivbe said. “We urge residents in flashpoint and coastline communities to immediately relocate to higher ground and IDP camps set up by the state government. The specific locations of these camps will be announced shortly through the media.”

Governor Oborevwori, he noted, has instructed the committee and relevant government bodies to ensure essential services are available at IDP camps, including healthcare, security, food, and electricity. Palliatives will also be provided to less affected communities to alleviate the impact of the flooding.

Oghenesivbe called on residents to act swiftly, urging them to secure their properties and assist their neighbours. He also appealed to private companies to increase their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts by supporting the government’s relief measures for displaced persons.

“Governor Oborevwori cares deeply about the welfare of Deltans, but we must all rise to the occasion. The government cannot do everything alone. Let’s be our brother’s keeper,” Oghenesivbe added.