From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has raised fresh concerns over possible flooding in parts of the state, following recent projections by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warning of heavy rainfall across several states in the coming weeks.
Commissioner of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, disclosed that the state has placed its emergency response system on high alert while intensifying sensitisation efforts in vulnerable communities. He said the government is not taking chances, given the potential scale of destruction that may accompany the projected downpour.
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“We have set the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on alert and embarked on sensitisation of vulnerable communities. We are currently planning a visit to Nafada to assess the situation and determine immediate interventions,” Fawu told Daily Sun in an interview.
While noting that flooding cannot be entirely prevented, the Commissioner stressed that the government is working to ensure that measures are in place to mitigate damage and safeguard lives. “We cannot relocate all vulnerable communities, but we are preparing to provide whatever is needed when flooding occurs, including temporary relocation of some families and the provision of relief materials,” he added.
According to him, the government’s immediate strategy hinges on awareness campaigns, community preparedness, and rapid response deployment. He said, “Our rapid response team under SEMA is already on standby. They have been sensitising residents to ensure that we minimise damage and prevent loss of lives should flooding occur”.
NiMet’s latest forecast listed Gombe among states likely to experience intense rainfall capable of triggering flash floods, raising fears among residents, particularly in flood-prone Local Government Areas (LGAs) such as Nafada, Yamaltu-Deba, Kaltungo and Akko.
The Commissioner, however, urged residents to heed warnings, cooperate with officials, and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their property. He assured that government agencies would continue to monitor the situation closely and respond swiftly in the event of flooding.
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