Lokoja – Kogi Government on Monday directed people living in flood prone areas to evacuate and relocate to uplands immediately.
The state Deputy-Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, who gave the directive in Lokoja, said this has become inevitable following the plans by the Cameroon authorities to release waters from the Lagdo dam.
Awoniyi gave the directive shortly after a meeting of the state flood management committee of which he is the Chairman.
The deputy governor directed the people in Ibaji, Bassa, Ajaokuta , Idah, Lokoja, Omala, Ofu, Kogi, and Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Areas to comply with the order.
He, however, urged the affected residents not to panic over the development, assuring them that the state is now in a better position to handle any flood disaster of whatever dimension.
“I can assure you that Kogi Government is now better prepared to handle the predicted flooding.
“The 2012 edition which was the first of its kind has taught us what we needed to do.
“We have made provision to embark on immediate sensitisation to all the nine Local Government Areas that the expected flood may likely affect,” he said.
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The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, said that the agency and its officials are now better prepared to handle any flood disaster.
According to her, the agency will also partner with relevant stakeholders to confront the anticipated flood in any part of the state.
She commended the Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi for releasing money to the agency to purchase drugs, consumables, foods, blankets, mattresses and other items that may be needed in case of flood. (NAN)
