The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has advised residents living in flood-prone and riverine communities to immediately relocate to safer areas as the state braces for intense rainfall and possible flooding in the coming months.
The advice comes amid growing concerns about the impact of climate change and the recurring threat of seasonal flooding in several parts of Nigeria, including Delta State. Commandant of the Corps, Mathew Sunday Ovye, based the concern on recent flood forecasts by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
According to NIHSA, the months of September and October are projected to witness heavy rainfall and increased water levels, raising the likelihood of flooding across several low-lying communities in Delta State and other parts of the country.
Ovye, therefore, urged residents in vulnerable zones—particularly in lowlands and coastal communities—to act swiftly by relocating to higher ground, stressing that the warning is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
“This is not the time to be complacent. We are calling on all Delta residents in identified flood-prone areas to heed this warning seriously and move to safer locations without delay,” he stated.
The Commandant also directed all area commanders and divisional officers—especially those in Isoko North, Isoko South, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Aniocha South, Patani, Warri South West, Ndokwa East, and Ndokwa West—to commence immediate community sensitisation campaigns on flood preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response.
In addition, the Disaster Management Unit of the Command has been tasked to collaborate with divisional offices to roll out public enlightenment programmes targeting at-risk communities.
Ovye, however, gave the assurance that the NSCDC Delta Command would be fully committed to working with other government agencies and private stakeholders to minimise the risk of disaster and ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens.
“We will continue to do our part to prevent any form of calamity, but citizens must also take responsibility for their own safety,” he said.
