NEMA warns against blocking waterways

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states against blocking waterways in their respective areas.

The Head, NEMA Operations Office in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta, Walson Ibarakumo Brandon, who gave the advice in Benin in a telephone interview with our reporter at the weekend, said blocking of water channel was the main cause of flash floods.

He said the agency had visited the three states under its control, especially the flood prone area, to sensitize residents on the need not to block water channel to ensure free flow of water.

“NEMA, in conjunction with local government officials, has been sensitizing communities identified previously as prone to flooding on what to do to prevent flooding as well as mitigating its impact when it occurs in their respective areas,” he said.

Walson said, “For now, the states under our control have not witnessed serious flooding but we are not relenting in sensitizing the people,” he said.