NEMA issues alert to Edo, Delta, Bayelsa states over flash flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that some communities in Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states may experience flash flooding.

The Head of NEMA Benin Operations Office, Dahiru Yusuf, gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Benin.

He further warned residents of those states against blocking drainages and waterways in their respective areas to avoid flooding.

Yusuf said blocking of water channel, such as drainages gutters, and natural water ways was the main cause of flash floods in states.

He said the agency had carry out sensitization programme to sensitize residents on the need not to block water channel to ensure free flow of water.

According to him, “NEMA has been sensitizing communities identified previously as prone to flash flooding on what to do to prevent and mitigating its impact when it occurs.

“Drainages, culverts and all water ways should be cleared for water to flow freely without affecting buildings and also reduced the impact of flood especially in the urban centres.

“So, residents should desilt drainages and gutters to ensure free flow of water”.

The Benin operations office is in charge of Edo, Bayelsa, and Delta states.