NEMA warns of impending flood in South East

The Director of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South East Zonal office, Mr. Walson Ibarakumo, has warned of impending flood in specific areas of Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu yesterday that the warning was based on forecast by National Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and Nigeria Meterological Agency (NiMET). Ibarakumo attributed the impending flood and storm to climate change.

“The heavy rainfall, storm and wind currently experienced in these states is a result of climate change, so, the people should not be taken by surprise whenever they start experiencing it. Climate change has brought about a lot of changes to our environment amongst which is the flood risk that has been forecasted,” he said.

NEMA, therefore, advised that residents of the aforementioned states should have a change of attitude, especially as regards energy use, until the climate returns to its normal state.

Ibarakumo said that NEMA had started creating awareness in the affected states and would be conducting simulation with other relevant response agencies soon.

The NEMA director said it was necessary to begin preparations on time in readiness for such disaster as it might eventually become big and devastating.

Ibarakumo listed the forecasted areas, describing some as highly probable and others probable.

“Enugu South and East are the highly probable areas while Oji River, Udi and Uzo Uwani are the probable flood risk areas.

“In Anambra State, Aguata, Idemili North and Ogbaru are the highly probable flood risk areas while Anambra East and West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Onitsha North and South, Dunukofia, Orumba North, Njikoka and Oyi are the probable areas.”