Residents of Ebonyi State are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent potential flooding, following a warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that the state and 18 others could experience flash floods due to heavy rains. The agency noted that prolonged dry conditions may harden the soil, reducing water absorption and increasing surface runoff, which could trigger floods in vulnerable areas.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Friday, a resident named Chinedu Ngwuta described the prediction as a crucial alert. He called on authorities to enhance public awareness through radio programs, market campaigns, and local language initiatives to safeguard lives and property. Ngwuta also urged the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps for at-risk residents, especially farmers who might be reluctant to leave their homes and farmlands without alternative shelter.
Another resident, Ukah David, criticized the government for allowing construction in flood-prone zones. He emphasized the need for continuous public education, noting that many traders and farmers continue to operate along waterways and other dangerous locations.
In response, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Victor Chukwu, stated that the government has already initiated measures to mitigate flooding risks. He warned residents against farming along waterways and urged communities to cooperate with environmental authorities. Chukwu revealed that the ministry has planned aggressive tree planting, drainage clearing, and other preventive actions to reduce flood impacts. He noted that since the first rainfall in the state, some communities, including residents of Mbukobe, have already experienced flooding that destroyed household items.