The Federal Government on Wednesday, called the attention of Gombe state to impending flood disaster, urging the state to brace up.
According to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, the state emergency management must be proactive in tackling the challenges head on.
Farouq disclosed this in Gombe when she led a delegation on a donation of Maize 690 Metric tonnes (23 trailer load), Millet 60 Metric tonnes (2 trailer load) and Sorghum 720 Metric tonnes (24 trailer load), adding that the food items are meant to cater for 36, 477 households.
She said, “The Annual Flood Outlook informed that 102 Local Government Areas, in 28 States fall within the highly probable risk areas, while 275 Local Government Areas in the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory fall within the moderately probable flood risk areas.
“The remaining 397 Local Government Areas fall within the low probable flood risks areas. Unfortunately, the predicted floods have started to occur in many parts of the country. Therefore, it is imperative to activate all plans and measures against the prediction as the season moves towards the peak.
“The State Emergency Management Agency, frontline Local Government Authorities and other response Agencies should be directed to put in place preparedness actions. Carrying out public enlightenment campaigns, targeting vulnerable communities to undertake mitigation actions and prepare for evacuation to safe ground. Identify high grounds for possible Internally Displaced Persons camps, to shelter evacuated communities.”
While stressing the impending challenges the Farouq identified major flash points in the state.
“This year, the highly probable flood risk areas in Gombe State are Balanga and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas; while the probable flood risk areas are Gombe, Nafada, Kwami, Dukku, Billiri and Funakaye Local Government Areas,” She stated.
On his part, Governor Inuwa Yahaya while commending the effort of the federal government in supporting flood victims in the state, promised to that the donated items will be shared among the vulnerable.
“As a result of the advice we got from your ministry, we have been able to take some measures both in the immediate and long term. We have embarked on demarcating and delineating to ensure every layout is up to standard,” he said.
