The Cross River State Government has announced proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding in the state, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for 2024.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Moses Osogi, shared these plans with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar on Friday, following NiMet’s identification of Cross River as a flood-prone area.
“We are taking all necessary steps to minimize the impact of flooding,” Osogi said. “This includes ensuring the safety of residents in flood-prone areas through ongoing sensitization programs and advising them to relocate to higher ground.”
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He emphasized that while flooding is a natural occurrence, Cross River’s geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable.
In response, the state government has cleared most drainage and water channels to facilitate better water flow and reduce flood risks.
Additionally, the State Emergency Management Agency is preparing shelters for those who need to relocate.
Osogi also warned residents against building structures on waterways, stating that the government would prosecute violators to prevent exacerbating the flood risk.
NiMet’s 2024 annual flood outlook highlighted that 148 local governments across 31 states are at high risk of flooding.
Recently, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utserv, reported that some states have already begun experiencing varying levels of flooding, primarily due to heavy rainfall and inadequate or blocked drainage systems.
