The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has advised residents of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states against blocking drainages and waterways in their respective areas to avoid flooding.
DAILY POST reports that the Head, NEMA Benin Operations Office in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta, Dahiru Yusuf, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Benin City.
Yusuf said the advice became necessary as the nation is going towards the peak of the rainy season.
According to him, blocking of water channels such as drainages gutters, and natural waterways was the main cause of flash floods in the states.
“Drainages, culverts and all waterways should be cleared for water to flow freely without affecting buildings and also reduce the impact of flood, especially in the urban centres.
“So, residents should distill drainages and gutters with a view to ensure free flow of water,” he said.
He explained that the agency had carried out sensitization programmes to sensitize residents on the need not to block water channels to ensure free flow of water.
“NEMA has been sensitizing communities identified previously as prone to flash flooding on what to do to prevent and mitigate its impact when it occurs,” he added.