Delta State Rolls Out Flood Prevention Measures to Protect Lives and Property
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau has issued critical measures for residents to prevent flooding and safeguard lives and property. During a Saturday interview with News Central Television on DSTV Channel 422, the Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, urged residents to comply with the directives and adopt proactive steps.
Dr. Oghenesivbe emphasized the urgent need for residents to clean their compounds, switch off electrical appliances in flood-prone areas, and stay informed through traditional and social media platforms about government and stakeholders’ flooding tips.
He advised parents and caregivers to move property and valuables from flood plains, assist People With Disabilities (PWD), the elderly, and children from unsafe homes as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the state and country.
The State Government, under the directive of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has arranged temporary IDP camps in designated areas across the three senatorial districts for those affected by the floods. Dr. Oghenesivbe listed flood flashpoints, including Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa West, Ethiope West, Isoko North, Warri South West, Warri South, Ughelli North, Patani, and Burutu local government areas. He assured that relief materials would be distributed to flood victims through the Flood Disaster Management Committee and other stakeholders.
“All stakeholders, including the State Flood Disaster Management Committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, National Emergency Management Agency, State Waste Management Board, the State Taskforce on Environment, and State Emergency Management Agency, have commenced sensitization campaigns on proactive steps to be taken by residents during the flooding,” Dr. Oghenesivbe stated.
He strongly advised parents and caregivers to relocate children, People With Disabilities, and senior citizens with health challenges to higher ground. He highlighted that SSG Emu is leading a team of senior government officials to ensure a swift response to flood cases, provide relief materials, and arrange temporary IDP camps for affected residents.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is leaving no stone unturned, and we are confident of achieving significant success as the rains continue. Residents are advised to clear drainage channels, dispose of refuse at PSP-designated points, and subscribe to and pay for PDP services. The State Environment Taskforce, chaired by former Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, is enforcing compliance, with defaulters facing prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others,” Dr. Oghenesivbe concluded.
“The best course of action for residents is to partner with the government by complying with directives and environmental regulations, to minimize flooding and its negative effects this rainy season,” he added.
