Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has cautioned residents of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states against blocking drainages and waterways in their respective areas to avoid flooding.
The Head, NEMA Benin Operations Office in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta, Dahiru Yusuf who gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Benin, said the advice became necessary as the nation is going toward the peak of the raining season.
Yusuf said blocking of water channel, such as drainages, gutters, and natural water ways was the main cause of flash floods in states
“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 disilt drainages and gutters with a view to ensure free flow of water”.
He said the agency had carried 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 mitigates its impact when it. occurs.
