The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Floods

  • More floods coming in 30 states, says Fed Govt

    More floods coming in 30 states, says Fed Govt

    More flooding have been predicted by the Federal Government.

    According to officials, last week’s flooding is as a result of the delay in rainfall which caused a long duration of torrential downpour in major cities.

    The government also predicted that the monsoon wind would bring rain from the West Africa coast around between June 22 and September/ October. This is expected to the land along with sea rise that could lead to increase in the amount of water in low lying coastal areas of Lagos and other states.

    Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu, who gave an update yesterday, said flood would spread to 30 states and over 100 Local Government Areas.

    According to the minister, a sensitization of the entire nation by visiting the grassroots would be embarked upon.

    He said: “Summary of the alert is that approximately thirty (30) states and over one hundred (100) LGAs are categorised as high flood risk areas and therefore could expect flooding.

    “The rains did not start early this year, thereby possibly causing long duration torrential downpour and causing unexpected urban/flash floods in areas with non-existing or inadequate drainage system in the country.

    “The flowof surface water are being monitored by NIHSA while alerts will continue to be issued. Also, sensitisation of the entire nation by visiting the grassroots will soon be embarked upon.

    “Urban/flash floods (i.e overflow due to sustained rainfall) in the urban cities or semi urban areas can be reduced with effective and adequate drainage systems. People must not use this facility as refuse bins which will block and render the facility useless with the probability of flooding heightened when it rains.

    “People in the riverine areas must not erect residential structures on the flood plains as these areas are an extension of the river space. Unfortunately, people have refused to yield to advice.”

    “It is therefore suggested that state and local governments should do more to enforce environmental laws/town planning guidelines, so as to check such uncontrolled physical development activities,” he added

    Yesterday, the Federal Government approved N1.6 billion to compensate victims of floods that ravaged 16 states.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, told reporters at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

    According to him, the fund would be taken from Ecological funds domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He said Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun had been directed to release the N1.6 billion to NEMA for the states.

    He said: “The Acting President has approved the sum of N1.6 billion as immediate intervention for the victims of flood in 16 states that have been ravaged by flood.

    “The states are Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Oyo, Lagos, Plateau, Sokoto, Edo and Bayelsa.

    “So, 16 states ravaged by flood and the sum of N1.6billion has been approved for immediate release as relief for people in those states and communities involved.

    “The money is going to be taken from the Federal Government Ecological Fund Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance is to release the fund direct to NEMA, which is, National Emergency Management Agency,’’ he said

  • Floods of death, destruction

    It was a tragedy foretold. Months before the rains started, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) warned that there would be flooding in most parts of the country and advised those living in flood-prone areas to relocate. Rather than heed the advice, our people as usual pretended that there was nothing to worry about. They went about their businesses with fire literally on their roofs. The Federal and state governments, which should get the people to comply, were also not forceful enough.

    Both tiers of government did not want to offend voters. This has always been our problem. We are fond of giving every issue, no matter how serious it may be, ethnic or religious or political coloration. What is tribal, political or religious about an advice that those living in flood-prone areas should move for their own safety? Why can’t the government get the people to do the needful instead of waiting until the worst has happened? Which is better – prevention or damage control?

    The truth is there is nothing to do damage control about once the harm is done. How do you bring back a person killed by flood? How do you recompense a family who lost all to flood? How do you console an aged landlord whose house and only means of livelihood is swept away by flood in the twilight of his life? How! How!! How!!! The hows are many, but suffice it to say  that we brought whatever we might be experiencing today from the floods caused by last weekend’s downpour across the country upon ourselves. Despite NIMET’s warnings, we were not prepared for the floods.

    I make this submission with heavy heart because the pictures I saw of flooded roads, houses and submerged cars were not something to smile about. They were something to cry about and I wept in my subconscious mind for my country. The floods were brought about because we did not plan in advance. We knew all along that the rainy season was coming, but we did not deem it fit to prepare for the floods which will certainly follow. We have roads without drains and where there are drains, they are blocked by wastes and pet bottles. Many homes are the same; people care less about the condition in which they live; they know little or nothing about hygiene and when you try to tell them, they pick a fight with you.

    Many will not forget in a hurry what happened last weekend in the plush neighbourhoods of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Banana Island, Park View, Victoria Garden City and environs in Lagos as well as in the not so rich towns in Niger State, where floods wreaked havoc. Eleven persons died in Suleja near Abuja and other towns in Niger State after a five-hour rainfall. In many of these places, nobody could escape the anger of the floods. Even those living in high-rise buildings were not safe. The floods were as high as these buildings that their inhabitants sought refuge on trees.

    Can we call these floods natural or man made disasters? I will say it was man made to some extent in the sense that we have tampered with the topography of the earth, especially around the coastlines, where new towns are springing up. For sure, society will develop, but such development should not be at the expense of human lives. If we are reclaiming the ocean for societal good as we are doing around the lagoon, what measures are we putting in place to safeguard lives and properties against disasters?

    Most of the plush Lagos neighbourhoods were submerged because there were no plans for arresting floods during disasters like this. And water, we are told, must always find its level. In doing that, it will force its way through whatever lies in its path, be it house, car, wall. Nothing can stop the force of water when it is angry. This is why it is dangerous to build on water channels or block dams, canals or drains because when there is a downpour the damage can be catastrophic. Many families are still counting their losses from last weekend’s downpour. We can still save ourselves from a bigger calamity by taking the necessary precautions.

    The rains have just started. The season is expected to be with us till around October/November. To say that it will not rain again like it did last weekend will be wishful thinking. We owe ourselves the duty of safeguarding our lives. We should not wait for the government to do that for us. Let us clear our surroundings of anything that can bring about flooding, while the government takes up the larger responsibility of cleaning the drains.

    And more important, the government should ensure that reclaimed areas are free of encumbrances that could lead to flooding. Otherwise, what happened in those posh areas last weekend will be child’s play compared to what may happen if such magnitude of rain – 178 millimeters – falls again.

  • Floods kill 16 in Bauchi, Niger

    Floods kill 16 in Bauchi, Niger

    •Tambuwal, Sultan visit affected areas

    Twelve persons have died in a flood, which also destroyed farmlands in Ganjuwa and Giade Local Governments in Bauchi State.

    Deputy Director of Needs Assessment, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Musa Ladan, who spoke yesterday, said “the flood killed four in Galamakira and Galam Baba communities in Miya district of Ganjuwa council – three children returning home after bathing in the rain when the culvert they stepped on caved in.

    “One body was recovered  immediately while the others were recovered the following day.

    “The fourth victim was a 65-year-old farmer, Alhaji Danladi, whose house collapsed due to the magnitude of the wind.

    “Eight others also died in Gulbuk, Giade Local Government.”

    SEMA’s Permanent Secretary Aliyu Abba Ahamad said SEMA’s team visited the affected communities to commiserate with victims and assess the damage.

    Village heads of Galamakira and Galam Baba, Saleh Adamu and Ahmed Iliyasu, appealed to the government to build more primary health care centres to provide emergency services to the people.

    Four persons died in the flood that sacked 23 communities in Lapai Local Government of Niger State, following an eight-hour downpour.

    The affected communities include Cheku, Lambata Kwaran, Cheppa, Alaba, Bina Muye, Ebbo, Egba, Gagbe, Tanna, Bazhi and Yelwa.

    Worship centres, roads and bridges were washed away in Shiroro, Muyan, Gurara and Bida, Lavun, Wushishi, Mokwa and Borgu councils.

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who visited the communities, called for the Federal Government’s intervention to address the ecological challenges.

    According to him, the financial outlay to tackle ecological challenges is not only enormous, but beyond the state.

    “Solutions to the ecological devastation is beyond the state. I have spoken to the President about our challenges and the need for the Federal Government’s intervention.

    “As a government, we sympathise with the communities and we will give our support to reduce their hardship, despite the lean resources of the state. The State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA) will come to their aid,” Bello said.

    At Muye town, the governor directed Chairman of Lapai council, Usman Achitupa, to ensure that people living by the banks of River Gurara are relocated upland to prevent a recurrence.

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, with Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday visited the flood victims in Tudu village and neighbouring communities in Dange/Shuni council, with a promise to rebuild their homes.

    Tambuwal said SEMA will conduct a full assessment of items destroyed to enable government assist the victims.

    The disaster, caused by incessant rain and rising water level, left more than 100 homes destroyed.

    Tambuwal hinted that the government sent in emergency relief items to the area, and prayed that such will not be experienced again.

    The governor also inspected the Isa-Marnona highway, promising that his administration will fix the damaged section of the road.

  • Floods as 13 hours rains pound Lagos

    Floods as 13 hours rains pound Lagos

    •Properties destroyed

    Homes  and roads were yesterday flooded in many parts of Lagos as a 13-hour rain pounded the city.

    The Southwest witnessed one of the heaviest rains in recent times. It destroyed  properties worth millions of naira.

    From Osun to Ogun and Lagos states, the torrential rain, which started on Saturday night, lashed cities and towns non-stop.

    Many vehicles were stalled on the roads as parts of Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital, were flooded.

    From Ilasamaja to Ojuelegba, Mushin, Agege Motor Road, Iyana-Ipaja and Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, the roads were flooded.

    Residents of highbrow areas of Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah were not spared .

    Many houses in Surulere were flooded. Residents were seen scooping water out of their homes.

    Many commuters were stranded due to heavy traffic caused by the flood.

    Agege Motor road from Ladipo to Ikeja along was worst-hit.

    The intensity of the flood left many motorists in fears.

    Many of the property destroyed by the accompanying flood affected Lagos, more than other states but there was no report of death or of collapsed building, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), whose men were deployed across the state in response to emergency calls by citizens.

    LASEMA General Manager Michael Akindele, said the Agency’s Emergency Response Teams were sent out to assess the affected areas to avert worst disaster.

    He noted that the flood was accentuated by blockage of some of the major drainages in the affected areas advised Lagosians not to  panic but ensure they  clear the drainage in their neighbourhood to allow free flow of water.

    In its situation report, LASEMA said: “The Agency received several distress calls regarding flooding activities which seriously affected some areas in the state as a result of the heavy downpour that started last night (Saturday) at about 8.40 pm.

    “Several streets in Oworonshoki, Ifako,  Ikorodu and Lekki  axis were seriously affected by the heavy downpour.”

    “Many properties and items worth several millions of naira were also damaged, but no life was loss or collapse of any building.

    “The Affected street around the Oworo axis include: Fasas Ojomu,Ogunyomi, Aabiola, Akewusola, Adebanmwo, Unity, Oduduwa, Agberin, among others, While Hassan Street in Owutu (Ikorodu) and other areas were affected in the Ikorodu axis.

    In a statement, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Dr. Babatunde Adejare, urged the people to remain calm saying that necessary steps had been taken to avert flood disaster.

    He said the government had in recent times carried out intensive tour of some flood prone communities in the state to clear blocked drainages and canals.

    The commissioner wondered why any right thinking person would be dumping refuse on water courses and drainages created for free flow of storm water, saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was in the interest of the residents.

    “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm runoffs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth,” Adejare said.

    He warned that the government would no longer tolerate the building of illegal structures along channel right of ways in the state.

    Adejare urged residents living on wetlands and flood prone areas to be cautious and careful, urging them to limit their movement if possible and to move to higher ground if need be.

  • Floods of fury in states

    Floods of fury in states

    Floods yesterday wreaked havoc in Kano, Zamfara and Plateau states, barely five days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) warned of the disaster. FRANK IKPEFAN, AMAKA CHINEDU, AHMED RUFA’I and YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU report.

    DAYS after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) issued flood alerts on 11 states; residents of the flood-prone communities in the identified states are battling with the fury of the national disaster following torrential rainfalls.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also echoed NiMET by alerting Nigerians of possible flood in some states of the North, urging residents and relevant authorities to brace for emergency.

    The governments of the 11 states were on Monday urged by NiMET to take pro-active measures against imminent flooding in their domains. And apparently to avoid the pitfall of the 2012 floods that destroyed homes and ravaged farmlands, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has warned residents of the identified states to take the NiMET prediction seriously.

    NESREA also urged the authorities in states not captured in the NiMET warning alert to be proactive. Itv specifically advised the Rivers State government to take seriously the recent NiMET prediction of massive flooding of most parts of the state and some other states across the country.

    Its Zonal Director in the Southsouth and Southeast Ralph Nnam said the devastating impact of the 2012 floods should not be forgotten in a hurry. He urged residents to ensure proper cleaning of their environments and desilting of drainages to prevent flooding.

    Nnam said that NESREA was already working with partner agencies to avert the negative impact of the 2012 flood in the zone.

    The NiMET statement issued in Abuja by the agency’s Head, Corporate Communications, Public Relations Unit, National Weather Forecasting and Climate Research Centre, Mrs. Eva Azinge, urged the states to prepare for flood and take proactive steps.

    She listed the affected states as Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Yobe and Zamfara.

    According to her, NiMet had predicted flooding in the states due to the cumulative high intensity rainfall in those parts of the country in the last two months, adding that with the current rainfall, there were prospects of flooding in August and October.

    The statement reads: “After thorough analyses of rainfall data from our observatories nationwide for June and July, soil moisture has either reached saturation, or near saturation levels. This is due to cumulative high intensity rainfall in some parts of the country in June and July.

    “This means that floods should be expected in these areas because the soil is no longer able to absorb more rainwater in the coming weeks which coincide with the peak rainy season.”

    Mrs. Azinge said many parts of the country would experience lower than normal total rainfall due to the effect of El Nino.

    Recalling that this year’s Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) identified parts of the Northwest, Southwest and low-lying areas, as particularly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season, the NiMET spokesperson said: “Flooding could still be experienced in such areas; particularly those that are naturally prone to flooding.’’

    According to Mrs. Azinge, “these observations and projections are also in agreement with the 2016 Annual Flood Outlook that was released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

    “NiMet advises Governments, communities and individuals in these vulnerable parts of the country to take proactive actions, such as clearing water channels, drainages and avoid activities that will block the free flow of waters.

    “Governments, communities and individuals in these vulnerable parts of the country are advised to take proactive actions, such as clearing water channels and drainages, and also avoid activities that block the free flow of water.

    “Closer attention should also be paid to NiMEt’s daily weather forecasts and alerts. It is further advised that relevant agencies should perfect their emergency evacuation plans and activate them as soon as necessary.

    “Meanwhile, NiMET will continue to monitor the rainfall pattern as well as general weather conditions across the country and issue updates from time to time,” she said, adding that the agency was collaborating with the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) to monitor rainfall across the country.

     

    Onistha, Lokoja

    on the red alert

    The NiHSA yesterday warned of an imminent flood in Onitsha, Anambra State and Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Its warning followed the overflow of various banks of River Niger, River Benue, Kainji Dam and the Confluence of water bodies in Lokoja. The water bodies, NiHSA said, overflowed their banks on Monday.

    It said: “At the Confluence in Lokoja, the water level as at 8th August, 2016, is 7.74m, which has exceeded the 7.72m recorded value on 8th August, 2012. This value is sending a strong signal to dwellers within the flood plains to relocate immediately to safer and higher grounds.

    “Downstream of Lokoja at Onitsha, the water level has risen to an alarming height of 9.16m. This value is expected to increase with time. Therefore, residents along the Habour Bridge Head and industrial activities within the Habour Industrial Layout, Onitsha, should be on the lookout.”

    NiHSA’s Director-General Moses Beckley said in a statement in Abuja that various agencies were struggling to ‘impound’ the floods, which in a matter of days shall be felt in many more locations across the country.

    Beckley warned that the flooding situations at the upper reach of the River Niger portended imminent danger for Nigeria in the coming weeks and months.

    According to the statement, NiHSA has a mandate to monitor all the major rivers in Nigeria including the Transboundary Rivers Niger and Benue.

     

    Flooding unavoidable,

    disaster preventable

    Relying on information from the regional Niger Basin Authority (NBA) with headquarters in Niamey, Niger Republic, Beckley warned of imminent flooding incident in Nigeria of the magnitude comparable to that of 2012 flood.

    The NBA is a regional body of nine member-countries in the West and Central Africa, namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

    The statement added: “This high level of water in Niger Republic is already spreading to Benin Republic, and invariably, to Nigeria. As at 2nd August, 2016, the Yellow Warning Line of 5.30m corresponding to 1,700m3/s flow rate has been reached and exceeded in Niamey, Niger Republic.

    “According to the information, if the heavy rainfall continues in intensity and duration within these regions of the River Niger, it is imminent that flood situation similar to that of year 2012 may occur. It takes approximately nine days for the propagation of peak floods from Niamey to Nigeria (Jidere Bode, Kebbi State).

    “The above observation transmitted to Nigeria is in tandem with the records from our monitoring stations at critical locations on Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as their tributaries within the Nigerian portion of the Niger Basin. The water levels are rising gradually at most of our stations.”

    “Specifically, the water level at Jidere Bode (Kebbi State), our first monitoring station as River Niger enters Nigeria, is 3.77m high as at 8th August, 2016, which has exceeded the 3.32m value observed on 8th August, 2012. Also on the same day, the level of water at the Kainji reservoir is 132.62m, which is higher than the value recorded about this time in 2012.

     ”Presently impoundment of water for hydropower generation is taking place at the dam. It is expected that inflows from upstream of the River Niger would be accommodated by Kainji Dam before it starts spilling to Jebba Dam once the level gets to 141.73m. At our monitoring station in Wuro-Boki, Adamawa State, the first monitoring station as River Benue enters Nigeria, the water level has risen to 5.36m as at 8th August, 2016, as against 4.88m recorded on 8th August, 2012.”

    It added that as at Tuesday, its monitoring station at Makurdi in Benue State, recorded an alarming 9.20m height in water level, as against 9.17m recorded on August 8, 2012.

    The statement warned: “Based on this, we wish to alert the general public that the Middle Niger (Niger Republic & Burkina Faso, upstream of Nigeria) is already flooded after the magnitude of the flood experienced in that region in 2012. This situation portends danger for Nigeria where there are many active tributaries to River Niger that contributes quite heavily to flooding incidents.

    “At the Confluence in Lokoja, the water level as at 8th August, 2016, is 7.74m, which has exceeded the 7.72m recorded value on 8th August, 2012. This value is sending a strong signal to dwellers within the flood plains to relocate immediately to safer and higher grounds.

    “Downstream of Lokoja at Onitsha, the water level has risen to an alarming height of 9.16m. This value is expected to increase with time. Therefore, residents along the Habour Bridge Head and industrial activities within the Habour Industrial Layout, Onitsha, should be on the lookout.”

     

    11 council areas

    threatened in Jigawa

    In Jigawa State, 11 of the 27 local government areas are under flood threat, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Yusuf Sani Babura said.

    He told newsmen in Dutse, the state’s capital city that the state government would try its best to heed NiMET’s warning.

    According to him, the flood alert indicated that most of the riverine communities along rivers Hadejia and Jama’are would be the likely victims of the disaster, adding that his agency had since kicked off an enlightenment campaign for all the vulnerable communities to be aware of the looming danger.

    Besides ongoing jingles on the radio, Babura said officials from the agency have been visiting some community heads and local government area chairmen on the need to use some primary schools during emergencies.

    According to Babura, Gurin, Jahun, Kafin-Hausa, Kaugama, Kazaure, Kirikisima, Mallam Madori, Miga, Rijau and Taura council areas were mentioned by NiMET as the likely areas to be affected by flood this year.

    He said: “According to NiMET report, there are 11 local government areas in the state that will likely experience flood this year. The riverine communities in these local government areas are the likely villages to be hard hit by the flood.”

     

    Cows, bridges,

    farmlands gone in Plateau

    Plateau residents yesterday had a bitter taste of the NiMET warning.  An all-night downpour on Tuesday wreaked havoc on residents of a community in Jos East Local Government Area of the state.

    Some herdsmen in the local government area lost 20 of their cows to the ravaging flood. It was learnt that the herdsmen had to climb trees to escape being swept away. Also some bridges on the Fobor-Angware and Maza roads were also washed off by the flood, cutting the local government area off from other parts of the state.

    The House of Assembly member representing Jos East State Constituency Joshua Madaki said his kinsmen lost their means of livelihood to the flood.

    His words: “The flood caused heavy losses to herdsmen and farmers in the local government. The damages caused by the flood can be quantified in hundreds of millions of naira. After the flood subsided, the owners of the cows followed the flood path from Angware to Federe where they discovered bodies of 29 cows.

    “The flood also washed away farmlands and food crops, especially yam, rice and maize plantations. The affected bridges and culverts have disrupted the transport system in the locality and residents can only go out of the state through neighbouring Bauchi State.

    “From the damage I saw, the affected farmers and pastoralists will require government’s assistance to recover what they lost. I’m therefore soliciting for government assistance for them. The huge loss is beyond what the local authority can handle.”

    Sympathising with the victims, the lawmaker promised to use his clout as their representative to mobilise reliefs from government agencies to mitigate the effects of the flood.

     

    5,300 houses

    ravaged in Kano

    According to the Kano State Relief and Emergency Agency (SREA), at least 5,300 houses were destroyed by flood in six local government areas of the state.

    The houses are in Bebeji, Dawakin Kudu, Kiru Shanono, Bagwai and Garun Mallam local government areas, SREA’s Executive Secretary Aliyu Bashir said, assuring that the state government would provide relief materials to the victims, after the conclusion and submissions of the agency’s report.

     

    801 displaced 

     in Zamafara

    The Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Sanusi Muhammed, Zamafara said yesterday that more than 801 persons were dislodged from their homes by flood in Maru community.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone chat that the affected persons included 180 women and 621 children, adding that 52 houses and farmlands were also destroyed.

    Muhammed said that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its counterpart in the state had visited the affected town for assessment.

    His words: “NEMA and SEMA have visited the affected town and conducted a joint assessment of the disaster. We will forward such assessment to our respective agencies for immediate assistance.”

    He called on residents of the state to avoid blocking drainages building on the water way to avoid similar disasters.

  • Floods have washed snakes into my community, Rep cries out

    Snakes have flooded Pankshin/Kanke/Kannam Federal Constituency – no thanks to the flooding in Plateau State.

    The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kannam Federal Constituency Timothy Golu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Jos yesterday that “all manner of snakes” had taken over his constituency.

    “The floods have pushed snakes into my constituency. They move around openly and snake bites have become very common there.

    “As the waters pushed them, some snakes climbed trees; others entered holes while some just held unto any straw . All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wreaking havoc,” he said.

    He said the commonest species were black mamba and carpet viper.

    He said the people used to travel to a snake clinic in Zamko, in Langtang Local Government, but there were no more drugs in the facility.

    “The drugs are very expensive and purchasing them had been dificult for the proprietor of the clinic because it was always difficult or outrightly impossible for the patients to pay,” he said.

    Golu advised the federal and statd governments to take over the production of local drugs to help the generally rural populace that had been the victims of the menace.

    He said that farmers were being advised to use hand gloves and rain boots at the farms to minimise the effect of such bites, but lamented that many hardly heed the counsel.

  • More floods coming in North, NEMA warns

    •Kebbi begins distribution of relief materials

    The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, warned yesterday that more states would be affected by floods this year.

    He said 63 local governments in Kaduna, Jigawa, Kebbi and Adamawa states were experiencing floods, following torrential rains in the last two weeks.

    Sidi lamented that people ignored the warning issued earlier by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on the impending flood, saying “many residents are now displaced by the floods.”

    He spoke in Kaduna after touring the affected areas.

    The NEMA DG, who could not address the victims, as they charged at him and his entourage, said the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna management agreed that part of the complex would be used as a temporary camp for the victims.

    When Sidi arrived at the Kigo Road new extension, one of the areas affected by the flood, the victims became furious, abusing him and demanding compensation.

    He sympathised with them, saying: “It is natural for victims to lose temper in these circumstances.”

    Fielding questions from reporters, the NEMA boss said: “The reaction of the victims was not pleasant, but I think it is normal because when people were displaced, especially if they were not prepared, and obviously from what I have seen, they were not prepared for the flood, although they had earlier been warned.

    “You are aware that NIMET, as I said, issued a seasonal rainfall prediction, which showed that northern states would be flooded. As I speak, about 10 councils had been affected in Kaduna State, about 16 local governments in Jigawa, about 17 councils in Kebbi, almost 20 local governments in Adamawa State and other states that were mentioned in NIMET’s prediction.

    “Now we have this situation at hand. Yesterday, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai went round and sympathised with the victims. He promised them assistance.

    “The solution is that people must desist from building houses in flood-prone areas. They should not build houses near natural waterways and green zones. If you build houses in these areas, what you will expect is flood. People should abide by the building regulations. They should open up the drainages and desist from dumping refuse inside them.”

    Kebbi State government has procured materials, including food items and building materials worth millions of naira for distribution to flood victims.

    Governor Atiku Bagudu, inspecting the store control unit in Birnin Kebbi, said the government had bought food items, such as maize, millet and rice for distribution to the victims, adding that building and bedding materials were also procured.

    He thanked NEMA for its intervention.

  • Again, floods threaten Anambra

    Again, floods threaten Anambra

    The grim memories of the 2012 overflow are still fresh, but a fresh deluge is threatening to reenact them in the state. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    Barely three years ago, much of Anambra State was washed away, as were several other parts of the country.  Farmlands and homes were swept off. So were barns and livestock, to say nothing of human lives lost. 2012 was the year of the floods. Sadly, residents are getting a hint of a repeat.

    In such communities as Awka, the state capital, Onitsha, its commercial hub, Obosi, Oraukwu, Nise, Nibo and Abatete, there is a sense of the deluge all over again. The bridge along Oraukwu-Abatete Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has collapsed. Ezigbo River has overflowed its banks. In Awka, Amikwo community has been flooded, while some of the residents have started moving out of the area for fear of drowning.

    One of the residents of the area, Comrade Obi Ochije, who chairs 20 villages of Ezinano, was in tears when he spoke with The Nation, saying that a security man nearly drowned.

    Most shops have been destroyed.

    No fewer than 10 houses, farmlands and an electricity transformer have been submerged in Agu-Awka community.

    Speaking with The Nation, the state chairman of Labour Party (LP), Chief Luke Ezeanokwasa from Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area said the Mili Ezigbo Bridge between Abatete and Oraukwu has been submerged.

    He said that the danger is that people who ply the route could be drowned anytime because the bridge is no longer visible.

    Ezenokwasa said that the people of Anambra expect Governor Willie Obiano to use the N75 billion cash and in investments left by his predecessor Peter Obi to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens, but so far, that is not the case.

    He said if the state government fails to give urgent attention to the Oraukwu-Abatete Bridge,  the death toll in the area will be very  alarming.

    Another area of concern is a 1km road in Amawbia and Nise, behind the Governor’s Lodge, which has become impassable every time it rains.

    The eight-hour rain in the state on Monday, which spilled to Tuesday, exposed all the leakages in the state, with most of the residents  rendered homeless.

    Ezeanokwasa said, “Fear has gripped the residents of Amikwo, in Awka South Local Government Area as gully erosion and flooding are threatening buildings.”

    “Many no longer drive into their houses as roads have become impassable, even the popular Keke Napep and commercial motorcycle no longer ply the area and residents park outside to trek to their homes”

    “Some of the streets mostly affected in Awka are Obi Ochije avenue, Rebecca Nwobu road, Evans Ebbe street and Annunciation road”

    a boy wading through flood water at an erosion site in Amikwo
    a boy wading through flood water at an erosion site in Amikwo

    “Our party frowns that after increased illegal and multiple taxes orchestrated by agents masquerading as government revenue collectors in Amikwo and other parts of the state, the government in Anambra could not clean the perennial drainage channels, it is shame” Ezeanokwasa said.

    For Comrade Obi Ochije, it was an appeal to Obiano to come to the aide of the residents as some of the people are finding solace in nearby villages.

    “Building flyovers by Obiano is good in Awka, but it will be suicidal after building the flyovers there are no persons to ply on them when flood [would have swept off] everybody.”

    “The governor is trying his best but he should not allow the people to all die through flood; the Obunagu Road links Amawbia Bypass which is an important road to the people.”

    Governor Obiano defied the rain to visit one of the flooded areas in Ngozika Estate in Awka where the house belonging to the retired Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG), Ikemefuna Okoye was submerged.

    Obiano sounded a note of warning that his administration would not hesitate to pull down structures erected on water channels in the state.

    Again, he threatened to enforce the prosecution of anyone whose  structure causes such blockages.

    The governor, who was disturbed by the situation of resurgent flooding in the state, said that his administration would look into its causes.

    “We have cautioned our people to observe basic rules and guidelines when embarking on the construction of their buildings.

    “We can see that the rain are here and is causing havoc here and there. People should desist from dumping refuse and blocking drains because it contributes to what we are witnessing. Anyone caught in the act will contend with relevant laws and where found guilty will be punished.”

    The governor expressed sympathy with the retired AIG, Ikemefuna Okoye whose house was among the ones submerged and instructed that the occupants be lodged in a hotel for few days, while remedial measures were made to check the flooding.

     

  • Lagos alerts on more floods

    Lagos alerts on more floods

    •Praises flood control measures

    The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, has expressed satisfaction with the efforts  to combat flooding in the state.

    The Commissioner noted that it is gratifying that while several states  were submerged by flood in the last few years, Lagos, through the relentless efforts of its engineers, has received several commendations for its proactive measures at containing flooding.

    Bello said the state has equally benefitted from its strategic planning on flood control measures, which according to him, were effective enough to contain attendant storm water. This has earned the state commendations from the Nigeria Meteorological service as the only state that has a deliberate and concerted deflooding programme.

    The commissioner however cautioned residents to be prepared for heavy downpour this year. His warning is based on the 2015 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) for the state, which indicated that there will be 260 days of rainfall in the state this year.

    “It has been predicted that Lagos State will experience a rainy season of between 245 and 260 days, with the maximum annual rainfall predicted to be around 1,824mm. The maximum rainfall will be experienced around the Marina area of Lagos Island. In general, this year’s rainfall has been predicted to have a delay onset of about two to 13 days, with Lagos, Ondo, Ogun and some other states expected to have more pronounced delay by eight to 13 days,” Bello said.

    The prediction, which was corroborated by NIMET, also said an early cessation of rainfall is predicted for most part of the country. However, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ondo, Akure, among others, will have later than normal cessation as they will experience more growing season.

    Bello said with high temperature and humidity being favourable conditions for the growth of pest, vectors and spreading of diseases, coupled with the fact that the higher the temperature and humidity, the more rapid the life cycles of mosquitoes and frequencies in mosquito bites, the state will be affected by mosquitoes. “Lagos State is expected to be moderately affected by mosquitoes. It is of utmost importance that Lagosians keep their environment clean to minimise the effects of mosquitoes,” he warned, adding that Lagosians should avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and blockage of drainage.

    Bello also warned that due to climate change, while other states in the federation will enjoy a short break in rainfall between July 15 and August 31 this year, Lagos is not likely to have this break as it will rain throughout the year unlike other years.

    “It is going to rain throughout the year; there is no “August break” for Lagos State. There will be days without rain, but there won’t be any long interval of break,” he warned.

    The commissioner also warned of strong wind that may accompany rains, which he said will herald the onset and cessation of rains in the state. Therefore, he advised farmers to plant drought resistant crops; dams managers in areas with prospect of above normal rainfall such as Ogun-Oshun River Basin, should prepare for high water inflow due to run-off.  He also warned pilots to take extra care during landing and take-off to avoid weather hazards caused by wind shear, slippery runways and reduced visibility expected at different periods in the year. Also to be affected are communication firms. This is due to the expected warmer than normal temperature and the expected intense rainstorms and strong winds which are expected to affect communication signals.

    Bello assured that within the available resources to government, the Ministry of Environment proactively shall continue to undertake measures to ensure that it  copes with the rains.

  • Rescuers save 50,000 as floods hit south Pakistan

    Pakistan’s disaster management agency says rescuers with boats and helicopters have evacuated about 50,000 people from the country’s south after raging floods inundated more villages there.

    In a statement, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Agency said yesterday two dozen people were killed in the past 24 hours in the eastern Punjab province, raising the death toll from rains and flooding to 346.

    It said flood water wreaked havoc in Punjab province and was now passing through remote areas in the southern Sindh province.