Cross River State Government has rolled out preventive measures to protect lives and property during the 2026 rainy season.

This comes amid forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting a high likelihood of flooding in Cross River and 17 other states in the country.

Speaking with journalists in Calabar over the Weekend, the Executive Secretary of Calabar Urban Development Agency (CUDA), Dr Effiong Ayi highlighted a range of ongoing efforts including dredging of waterways, construction and clearing of drains, demolition of structures on flood paths, and public sensitisation on proper waste disposal.

Ayi said the government had adopted a coordinated, science-based, and community-focused approach to mitigate flood risks and is implementing both short and long-term flood prevention strategies including actively widening canals and enforcing environmental laws.

“We have been actively dredging waterways and widening canals to improve water flow and prevent water accumulation, particularly in flood-prone areas,” he said.

“We are not leaving anything to chance. Our goal is to prevent avoidable loss of life and property by taking early science-based, and community-focused actions.

According to him, public education drives are being conducted across flood-prone local government areas, educating residents on flood risks, evacuation routes, and early warning signals.

“Sensitisations are underway to educate residents about the causes and consequences of flooding, and the importance of responsible waste disposal and construction practices,” he said.

He said among the key interventions are community awareness campaigns, desilting of waterways, early warning systems, and refresher training for emergency responders and volunteers.

The executive Secretary noted that a local alert system is being developed to provide real-time flood updates, adding that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is working with federal bodies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), private security groups, and environmental NGOs to strengthen response.

“We don’t wait until rainy season sets in before we start working to prevent flooding. Across all the local governments in the state, we ensure that all the drainages are open and cleared both in dry and rainy seasons.”

Ayi also disclosed that the state will soon begin a radio awareness programme and establish a taskforce to arrest individuals who dump refuse in waterways.

“It is also important adhering to environmental laws, including prohibition of dumping refuse in waterways, and prohibiting construction within specific distances of waterways.

Ayi added that the government is collaborating with federal agencies for improved disaster preparedness, while also addressing long-term drivers such as climate change and unsustainable land use.

While emphasising that government action must be complemented by public responsibility, he urged residents to keep their surroundings clean, avoid building on waterways, and report blocked drainage systems.