By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Branch of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, has raised a red alert on possibility of flood ravaging 16 local government areas in the state as a result of rampart blockage of drainage channels.
The agency warned of imminent disaster in flood prone communities in the state if the blocked drains and water channels were not cleared as a matter of urgency. Virtually all the drains and water discharging points had been blocked with refuse dumps.
Delta NEWMAP particularly warned of high possibiliity of heavy flooding in the aforementioned areas in July, August and September.
Project Coordinator of Delta NEWMAP, Isaac Ufiofio, raised the red flag while speaking to journalists in Asaba, the state capital, Tuesday.
“We have begun sensitization of residents in these areas, especially the riverine areas where the erosion and flood menace are worse,” “said. “And we have commenced urgent measures to avoid the looming disaster.”
He urged people in erosion and flood prone communities to develop the culture of protecting their environment from dangers of gully erosion through planting of trees and grasses in their immediate environment. He also advised them to use sand bags to prevent gullies along water channels in their communities.
“Ukun Nzu, Ubulu Uku, Owanta, Jesse, Boji Boji Owa, some parts of Isoko South and North, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani and others would be worse hit if the looming disaster is not averted,” Ufiofio
He also urged parents and guardians to warn their wards on the dangers of crossing open drains during heavy downpour to avoid being being swept away by flood water.
