by crossriverwatch admin
The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has advised people living in low land and other vulnerable areas to flooding to be wary of the increasing rainfall and its attendant flooding that could culminate in destruction of lives and property.
The Director-General, Mr. Vincent Aquah who was speaking while assessing flood disaster at CRUTECH, Calabar staff quarters recently said that flood water was a dangerous phenomenon and residents in the state exposed to such situation must take precautionary steps to avoid perilous damage to lives and property.
Mr. Aquah warned that residents under threat of flooding should choose the most plausible option of saving lives by evaluation and give less attention to salvaging property which could aggravate their risky situation.
The Director-General stated that resident should inculcate the habit of de-silting drainage systems and avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse and should as a matter of priority make such a part of their culture.
The SEMA boss aid that the cooperation of everyone was needed in order to avert possible devastating flooding on account of the high rainfall pattern predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological; Agency (NIMET) in the country particularly Cross River State.
He disclosed that in the event of such flood, over 300 communities in 12 Local Government Areas could be at risk while lives and property worth millions of Naira may be in jeopardy.
Mr. Aquah enjoined all relevant stakeholders on disaster management to remain committed to the lofty ideals of SEMA without which it would be in fiasco.
He said that following the effect of the climate change which has manifested monumental damage to the environment, it was absolutely necessary for stakeholders to synergize for proper management of disaster.
It could be recalled that the 2012 flooding which was aggravated by the discharge of excess water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon ravaged 212 communities in which 1,800 houses, as well as schools, markets, health centers, and 82, 361 farms were submerged and destroyed.
49,918 persons were displaced while 13 deaths were recorded and several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
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