Delta Intensifies Measures for Flood Control

By Admin 

The Delta State Government has intensified measures to control flooding across the state and strengthen its preparedness for a possible major flood.

The Commissioner for Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Terry Etagherure, disclosed this during an interview in Asaba, saying the government had identified flood-prone areas and designated strategic locations for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to accommodate residents who might be evacuated.

Etagherure, who is also co-chairman of the state Flood Committee, said the state government no longer waited until the rainy season or the release of flood forecasts before taking preventive measures.

The Commissioner revealed that the flood committee always meets to assess the state's preparedness and plan for possible emergencies, with representatives of affected local government areas participating in the response mechanism.

He said, “What we are experiencing at the moment is not necessarily a major flood. It is what we refer to as flash flooding, and water recedes after two or three days without rainfall.”

The Commissioner, however, identified blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate dumping of refuse as major factors contributing to flooding in areas that ordinarily should not experience serious waterlogging.

He said the state government had continued to sensitise residents on the dangers of dumping refuse in gutters and drainage channels, while efforts were also being made to clear blocked drainage systems.

Etagherure further noted that a committee within his Ministry regularly visits communities to sensitise residents and encourage them to keep drainage channels free of refuse and other materials that could obstruct the free flow of water.

He stressed that tackling flooding required a coordinated effort among different Ministries, agencies and local governments.

He said, "The state government maintains a cordial working relationship with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies in addressing drainage, waste disposal and other environmental challenges."

On buildings and other structures erected on waterways, Etagherure said the responsibility largely falls under the ministry in charge of urban development.

The Commissioner noted that the Ministry had taken action against some structures identified as obstructing waterways, including stopping construction and removing some structures where necessary.

He assured residents that the state government had made provisions for relief materials to support communities affected by flooding.

He said relief materials were already in stock and that the government had compiled a list of affected communities and residents, with distribution being carried out according to the level of need.

Etagherure said the state government had not recorded a year without responding to communities affected by flooding, adding that the current situation was being closely monitored.

He assured residents that should the situation escalate into a major flood, the government would activate its emergency response plans, evacuate affected residents where necessary and provide relief materials.

He appealed to residents to support government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse and activities that obstruct waterways and drainage channels.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to working with local governments, ministries and relevant agencies to protect residents and strengthen the state's capacity to respond to flooding and other emergencies.