Edo warns residents against imminent flood

The Edo State Government on Monday warned residents living in flood-prone riverine communities to seek refuge in safe places before disaster catches up with them.

The government said safe havens have been provided in selected local government areas across the state.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, in Benin City, said: “This is to alert people living around river banks and riverine areas across Edo State that water levels are rising as a result of heavy downpour.”

He added, “Government has prepared the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps for possible evacuation of residents living in these areas. They should be ready to relocate to the camps when the order is given by the government.”

The governor’s aide urged members of the public to take precautionary measures to forestall incidents that may arise from increased water levels, urging them to: “Stop dumping refuse indiscriminately, avoid building on low plains and waterways, stop erecting structures on the moat and don’t engage in excavation of any kind without government approval.”

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In the past, the Edo State government identified riverine communities in Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North -East, Esan South-East, Estako Central and Etsako East local councils as areas prone to flooding.

Recall that the Edo State Government distributed relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster which affected three communities in Orhionmwon LGA.

Recent flooding in the council area affected Umoghun-zuagbor, Obozogbe-nugu and Evbonogbon communities.

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