To mitigate the impact of flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this year, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has embarked on an awareness campaign to Kuje, Kwali and Abaji Area Councils.
This followed the annual flood outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on probable high risk floods in some communities in the three Area Councils.
At the palace of the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, FEMD informed the royal father and his subjects that predictions by NIHSA and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) indicate that eight locations in FCT were at risk of heavy floods.
Acting Director General (DG), FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, who spoke, appealed to persons residing close to the river bank in Kuje to relocate to higher grounds.
“If you have to cross a river to get to your farmland and you observe that clouds are gathering and the weather is changing, please leave the farm immediately. Also, children should not be allowed to play by the river banks this season,” he said.
Represented by the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mr Mark Nyam, Abdulrahman particularly urged residents of Pegi and other riverine communities to be cautious of the weather patterns to save lives.
Responding, the Gomo of Kuje said “we are going to be very vigilant and take the message to the over 20 communities in Kuje.”
At the palace of the Etsu Kwali, Ayedoo Luka Nizassan, the message was the same. FEMD informed the gathering that Gumbo, DabiBako and Ashara communities were at probable risk of high flood.
Engr.Abdulrahman appealed to the youth and volunteers in the area, as first responders, to closely monitor the rising water levels before informing FEMD through the 112 toll-free number.
Responding, the Etsu Kwali promised to convey the message to the 15 district heads and traditional leaders in the area.
The visit to the Etsu Yaba in Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Ndatsu, underscored the need for the riverine community to relocate to higher grounds to save lives.
According to the FEMD boss, “since 2014, we identified a higher ground in this area and we are today appealing to you to go there for safety if the water level rises.”
Engr Abdulrahman stated that Yaba, Gurdi and Gawu were communities pencilled down by NIHSA as probable flood-risk areas.
He urged the FEMD volunteers in the Council to further sensitize the community and to block the access bridge if the water level rises, in order to save lives.
Responding, the Chiroma Yaba, Alhaji Audu Yaba, appealed to the FCT Administration (FCTA) for assistance following the destruction of farm lands and produce by heavy floods last year.
