The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged residents of flood-prone areas in Imo to adopt preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the impending flood disaster.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, made the call at a one-day sensitisation campaign on flood control and safety on waterways at Oguta in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had predicted flooding in 27 states, including Imo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), among others.
Oyebamiji, who was represented by the Owerri Area Manager of NIWA, Mr. Vincent Odia, said that the event aimed to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property, following the predicted 2025 flooding.
He emphasised that most accidents on waterways were caused by human carelessness and not supernatural forces.
“The essence of this engagement is to bring disaster awareness to residents of high-risk areas, where floods usually strike first.
“It would be a great disaster if you went on a journey and did not return.
“Most of these accidents that happen on our waterways are not caused by demons, but as a result of our carelessness,” he noted.
Oyebamiji, therefore, urged them to abide by the directives on safety by avoiding late-night transportation on the waterways and ensuring the use of life jackets, among other measures.
Also speaking, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to mitigating the effects of the impending flood disaster.
Uzodimma, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Nelson Abazu, urged residents of flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds.
He assured them that the state government had concluded necessary logistics to relocate and safeguard the lives and property of residents.
“As soon as we notice the rise in water level, the government will issue alerts and instructions,” he said.
The event was attended by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency, and personnel of some security agencies.