The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, delivered the government’s sympathy at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
While
revealing the cause of the heavy downpour, the minister also told
journalists that about 30 states and over 100 local government areas,
which had been categorized as high flood risk areas, could expect heavy
flooding this year.
He
said: “Summary of the alert is that approximately thirty (30) states
and over one hundred (100) LGAs are categorised as high flood risk areas
and therefore could expect flooding.
“The
rains did not start early this year, thereby possibly causing long
duration torrential downpour and causing unexpected urban/flash floods
in areas with the non-existing or inadequate drainage system in the
country.
“The
flow of surface water is being monitored by NIHSA while alerts will
continue to be issued. Also, sensitisation of the entire nation by
visiting the grassroots will soon be embarked upon.
“Urban/flash
floods (i.e overflow due to sustained rainfall) in the urban cities or
semi-urban areas can be reduced with effective and adequate drainage
systems. People must not use this facility as refuse bins which will
block and render the facility useless with the probability of flooding
heightened when it rains.
“People
in the riverine areas must not erect residential structures on the
flood plains as these areas are an extension of the river space.
Unfortunately, people have refused to yield to advice.”
“It
is therefore suggested that state and local governments should do more
to enforce environmental laws/town planning guidelines, so as to check
such uncontrolled physical development activities,” he added
The
minister’s statement comes on the day Acting President Yemi Osinbajo
approved the immediate release of N1.6 billion to 16 states already
affected by the flood.
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