Flood: Delta govt tasks residents in low-land riverine areas to relocate

Delta State Government issued a fresh warning, urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone regions to consider relocating to higher planes in view of the impending flood. The call comes in response to the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam into the Rivers Niger and Benue.

This cautionary message was conveyed through an official statement signed by Festus Ahon, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The statement emphasized the government’s concern for the safety of citizens living in flood-prone zones, particularly in light of prior warnings from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

The statement also highlighted that Governor Oborevwori has authorized the establishment of a 14-member Flood Disaster Management Committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu. This committee’s main responsibilities include conducting comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the impending flood, formulating appropriate strategies to prevent and manage flooding, addressing the displacement of residents, and proposing methods for providing relief assistance to those affected.

The statement read, “The Delta State Government has been informed that the authorities of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will be releasing modulated amounts of water into the River Benue and River Niger due to flooding caused by torrential rainfall.”

Furthermore, it underscored the government’s commitment to assisting individuals who are displaced from their homes due to rising water levels resulting from the overflow of the River Benue and River Niger. The government aims to ensure that these displaced individuals receive necessary care and support, potentially through various Internally Displaced Persons camps located nearby.

The statement concluded by urging affected citizens to contact designated helpline numbers, 08064137841 and 08037200696, in case of flooding to seek government assistance.