In anticipation of the flood and not to be caught unawares like last year, Kogi State Government has already identified 16 locations across the state.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Disaster Management made this known at a one-day workshop on, ‘Strengthening of flood risk awareness campaigns,’ in Idah, the headquarters of Idah Local Government Area of the state, at the weekend, explained that the state government was fully prepared for any eventuality this time around.
Musa, who represented the state governor, Capt Idris Wada, commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its cooperation with the state government, in a bid to reduce disaster in case of flooding this rainy season.
However, NEMA has appealed to all riverine communities in the state, particularly the nine local government areas affected by flood last year, to listen to warnings from relevant agencies as the level of water in River Niger has continued to rise daily.
The Zonal Coordinator, Abuja Operations, Mr Ishaya Chonoko, stated that the agency would not rest until everybody stay clear of disaster areas.
Speaking at the workshop, Chonoko who was represented by Mr Slaku Lugard, explained that it became imperative because risk awareness is undoubtedly cornerstone of non-structural flood risk management,” adding that all actions to minimise the impact of flood hinge upon awareness of stakeholders and communities at risk.
According to him “heightened awareness of flood risk would lead to mitigation activities and to preparedness,which in turn reduce the impact of flood. Fortification of campaigns trigger local debates around issues that is relevant to the communities at risk.”
He informed that as part of agency efforts, only last week NEMA has erected 22 camp tents at Inikpi Square in Idah to assist the vulnerable in case there is flood disaster, noting that Idah and Ibaji local governments areas were adversely affected by the 2012 flood.
