By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Environment and Emergency, Disaster Preparedness, as well as Water Resources to ensure immediate monitoring and post-flood rehabilitation efforts to ensure that all the affected communities and states receive long-term support in rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods, even as they put urgent measures in place to protect property and infrastructure.
To this end, the House also called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and state governments to activate evacuation protocols for communities along flood plains and ensure that the affected population have access to temporary shelters, medical services and other forms of support.
It also urged the Federal Ministries of Works and Housing and Water Resources to carry out immediate assessment of drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas, and work hard to reduce blockages that could worsen flooding.
This was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance brought during plenary yesterday by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan.
Speaking in his lead debate, Whingan informed that the federal government has predicted five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and 22 states of the federation.
He, however, disclosed that a report from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, published on October 14, predicted heavy downpour, hence the need for urgent precautionary measures across board.
The lawmaker areas 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 emphasizing that rainfall and potential flooding were predicted from October 14-18, threatening both life and property.
“The House is concerned that the predicted heavy rainfall and resulting flood could have devastating impact 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.
“I am concerned that despite early warnings, there may not be sufficient proactive measures such as timely evacuation, provision of temporary shelters and support systems for affected communities. This increases the risk of severe humanitarian consequences if these warnings are not addressed through urgent action.
“Flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria, often exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, lack of preparedness and insufficient coordination among agencies responsible for disaster management. It is crucial that relevant authorities immediately implement strategies to mitigate the predicted disaster, including evacuation plans, provision of relief materials and ensure that post-flood recovery efforts are coordinated effectively”
Consequently, the House direcetef the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, to appear before the Committee on Environment to explain the precautionary measures being implemented to safeguard flood prone areas.
It also urged the federal government through its relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with state government to enhance disaster preparedness inorder to ensure quick deployment of rescue teams, relief materials and medical assistance where needed.
