The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to residents of Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states to avoid blocking drainages and waterways to prevent flooding as the rainy season reaches its peak.
Dahiru Yusuf, Head of NEMA’s Benin Operations Office, responsible for Edo, Bayelsa, and Delta, highlighted this advisory during a press briefing in Benin City. He emphasized that obstructing water channels such as drainages, gutters, and natural waterways is a primary cause of flash floods in these regions.
“Drainages, culverts, and all waterways should be cleared to allow water to flow freely without affecting buildings, thereby reducing the impact of floods, especially in urban centers,” Yusuf advised. He stressed the importance of maintaining clear water channels to ensure the free flow of water, which is crucial in preventing flood damage.
Yusuf further explained that NEMA has been actively conducting sensitization programs to educate residents on the importance of keeping water channels unblocked. “NEMA has been sensitizing communities identified previously as prone to flash flooding on what to do to prevent and mitigate its impact when it occurs,” he noted.
The agency’s efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with the rainy season by encouraging proactive measures among residents to maintain clear and functioning drainage systems.
