Identify High Grounds For Floods, FG Tells States Govt

By Stephen Godonu

In order to provide a temporary home for those who will be displaced as a result of the predicted heavy flood this year, the federal government has advised state government to identify high grounds for use as camps for evacuation.

Speaking during the weekend Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development said organized humanitarian coordination fora to prepared all stakeholders for mitigation proses

“The recent flood incidences affirm the need for serious and urgent actions to be taken to safeguard lives and property against the predicted flood. The 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction and the Annual Flood Outlook forecasts flood situations for different parts of the country.

“The Annual Flood Outlook forecasts that 102 Local Government Areas in 28 states will have heavy rainfall while 275 local government areas in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory will experience moderate flooding,” she added.

Farouq said the remaining 397 Local Government Areas fell within the low probable flood risk areas.

Noting that Bauchi, Kebbi and Jigawa States were already affected, she stressed the importance of an immediate/improved action.

The minister urged all relevant agencies to carry out public enlightenment campaigns, ensure the desilting of river channels and clear water channels and drainages.