Flooding imminent in South-West states -NEMA

Friday, 27 July 2012

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said heavier rains are imminent in the South-West zone of the country and this may result in flooding.
Mr Iyiola  Akande, the zonal  coordinator of  NEMA in the South-West, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Osogbo, Osun State.
Speaking shortly before the commencement of a sensitisation programme organised by the agency, Akande said states in the zone should put measures in place to combat flooding.
He recalled that following the prediction of NIMET before the rains, NEMA had reached out to the states through sensitisation programmes on the need to prepare for the downpour.
To ensure strict compliance with environmental rules and regulations, the Director-General of  NEMA, Alhaji  Muhammed Sidi, had directed that another sensitisation programme be held.
“The rains are now coming in torrents with resultant effects of flooding, an indication that the state governments should take the prediction seriously by curbing it.
NEMA also called on town planning authorities and similar agencies to ensure  strict compliance with rules and regulations, in order to keep the environment clean and safe.

SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune, 27 July 2012. http://tribune.com.ng/index.php