Rivers State Ramps Up Flood Management Efforts, Targets Orashi Region as Epicenter of Concern

By Adejumo Adekunle –

The Rivers State Government has expressed deep concern for the well-being of its communities, with a focus on flood prevention and management. Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, emphasized this during a flood awareness event held at the Faculty of Humanities Hall, Rivers State University Ahoada campus, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Prof. Odu stressed that the State is committed to addressing the persistent flood issues caused by dam releases upstream and river overflows, particularly in the Orashi Region, which she identified as the epicenter of the flooding crisis in the State.

She pointed out that tackling the flood problem in the Orashi Region is key to managing the issue in other parts of Rivers State. The most flood-prone areas include Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Degema, Ahoada East, and Ahoada West.

In July this year, the Zonal Director of  The National Emergency Management Agency, Babatunde Adebiyi, noted that 13 local government areas have been marked as high-risk zones, and efforts are underway to prepare them for the impending floods.