Ekiti state government has informed members of the public that the federal government has placed its response agencies on red alert in flood prone areas of the state.
This was disclosed by Commissioner for information and values orientation, Hon. Akin Omole, stating that federal and state government agencies are being mobilized to mitigate disasters in the state.
The agencies includes: the Federal Fire Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency among others.
This development was in response to the flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the torrential rainfall and its effect on some parts of Ekiti state which could have negative impact on lives and property in various communities.
Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Habib Ahmed stated that NIMET had predicted that climate change will lead to abnormal rainfall which will culminate to flood disasters in 28 states in Nigeria.
According to him, The NIHA, management of dam predicted on May 6,2021, in their annual flood outlook that 28 states and 121 local councils will experience flood disasters. He called on all hands must be put on deck to prevent the flood disasters that may happen between September and October 2021.
To show preparation, Ekiti state government has purchased and deployed two amphibious excavators for flood control, dredging of selected rivers and streams, and widening of canals for free flow of water.
The commissioner revealed that efforts are ongoing to begin the reconstruction of the Ogbomu bridge, located between Irele and Ponyan in Kogi state; as well as Ajolagun bridge, and drainage and culverts at Arinkin in Oke Ako and Ajolagun in Ikere-Ekiti.
Omole revealed that the state government under the supervision of its Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is undertaking erosion control works at Bisi Aloba avenue and Temidire road in Ikere-Ekiti. In Ado Ekiti, efforts are ongoing to address the flooding issues at Tinuola axis, Eminrin, Afao Road, Ajilosun, and Odo Ado, as well as Owode and Otete in Efon Alaaye.
Ekiti state government urged members of the public to help keep drainage clean and desist from dumping refuse in water channels.
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