Flooding: Delta Orientation Bureau urges residents to commence evacuation

… Reels out precautionary measures to minimize loss of life, property

Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau has appealed to residents in flood prone communities, villages and towns to commence evacuation, and brace up for the challenges ahead in order to minimize flood loss, occasioned by unprecedented floodwater during this rainy season.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, during radio interviews in Asaba and Warri, said flooding occurs when drainage channels are filled, and rivers and streams can no longer accommodate the excessive water generated by severe weather conditions.

He noted that flooding is majorly caused by heavy rainfall from tropical weather disturbances, inadequate maintenance of drainage channels and structures, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels by residents, blockage by debris brought by flood waters, building of settlements and residential property in flood plains.

Dr Oghenesivbe further stated that during rainy season, it is expected that some drainage channels may overtop their natural or artificial banks, making it possible for water to enter the surrounding lands to cause flooding, adding that residents in communities, towns and villages that are likely to be affected by flooding should immediately take proactive steps by commencing temporary relocation to safe and secured locations.

He appealed to residents in various flood prone areas in the state to take along with them valuables, pets and other important household items that may be difficult to replace should they be destroyed by flooding, noting that the current economic challenges in the country makes it mandatory for all citizens to put on their thinking cap.

He pointed out that the idea of foreseeable flood victims waiting for commencement of heavy flooding before evacuation is now old fashioned, counter productive and no longer tenable, which is why the Delta State Government is appealing to residents to avert loss of life and property by adhering to precautionary measures.

The State Bureau Chief, listed areas most likely to be worst affected by flooding to include, but not limited to; low-lying coastal towns and villages, areas near gully banks, areas vulnerable to landslides, low streams and communities surrounded by rivers, as well as areas with poor garbage disposals.

Oghenesivbe assured residents in the state that governor Sheriff Oborevwori, through the office of the Secretary to the State Government shall do the needful to assist flood victims by erecting temporary settlement tents, and also provide relief materials to affected families and individuals during the rainy season.

“Flooding is majorly caused by heavy rainfall from tropical weather disturbances, inadequate maintenance of drainage channels and structures, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels by residents, blockage by debris brought by flood waters and building of settlements and residential property in flood plains.

“Human activities, which damage the environment, for example, sand mining, deforestation and poor garbage disposal, increase the risk of flooding.

“The state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed sensitization should commence through the mass media on the need for residents in flood prone areas to immediately commence evacuation, meaning that we must not wait until we are overwhelmed by flooding before relocating to safe areas.

“Radio jingles on precautionary measures will commence next week, and the state Orientation and Communications Bureau will also adopt other publicity strategies to reach target audiences across the state.

“The state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has also directed a special committed headed by SSG Delta, Dr Kingsley Emu, to ensure settlement tents are erected in affected communities, towns and villages. Relief materials shall also be distributed to alleviate living conditions of flood victims.

“As residents, especially those living in flood prone areas, we must immediately commence evacuation processes so as to safe life and valuable property,” Oghenesivbe said.