The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it is well prepared to prevent residents from dying to flooding in the territory.
The Director of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the assurance in an interview in Abuja on Monday, May 6, 2024.
Sabo explained that the department had all the data required to put prevention and mitigation measures against flooding in the FCT.
“Sometime in February, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) released the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction report.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has equally released the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.
“These are the documents we used in preparing for the rainy season.
“As such, we have all the critical data needed to adequately prepare our prevention and mitigation measures against flooding,” Sabo said.
He said that based on the reports, FCT might not be in danger, but all the surrounding states of the territory were susceptible to flooding.
He said that in response to the prediction, FEMD had adequately put measures in place to ensure effective response to the likelihood of flash floods in the territory.
“I assure you that we are well prepared to respond to any flood that may occur in the FCT,” he insisted.
The director added that the department would equally mount signposts to enlighten and caution residents on the dangers of flood and install additional barricades in flash flood areas.
“We are ready to collaborate with our stakeholders to ensure that all the roads that experience flash floods during the rainy season are barricaded to prevent vehicles from plying them.
“This is to prevent loss of lives to flooding during rainy seasons,” he said.
By Philip Yatai
