From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Acting Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Alhaji Haruna Jimoh Gabi has advised residents of riverine communities and flood prone areas in Kogi state to move to higher ground immediately.

The Managing Director gave the advice while speaking at the commencement of the early warning advocacy/sensitisation on flood mitigation, held at Koton-Karfe, headquarters of Kogi Local Government Area on Tuesday. The Managing Director who spoke through the Kogi State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Michael Ajayi Omeiza, stressed the importance of the early warning as it will go a long way in safeguarding citizens from the risk and havoc associated with flooding.He explained that preparation for flooding is crucial as it is the most common hazard in HYPPADEC communities. Some floods develop slowly, while flash one can occur within minutes or hours after a storm or containment system break. It is also among the most devastating natural disaster in the world, claiming more lives and causing more property damage than any other natural phenomena”It has therefore become necessary during this rainy season to move to higher ground, get informed through public safety information before, during and after emergencies, clean/clear all drainage around or leading to homes”He noted that flooding has been wreaking havoc on Nigerian communities and this has worsened in recent times due to several possible factors including rapid population growth, industrialization, urbanisation, poor urban planning, and climate change via increased frequency and intensity of rainfall more frequent and violent storms that cause floods.While receiving the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director in his Palace at Koton-Karfe, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, His Royal Majesty, Saidu Akawu Salihu expressed the readiness of all communities in his domain to partner with N-HYPPADEC in the fight against natural disasters especially flooding which affects his people on yearly basis.His royal majesty promised that his subjects would adhere strictly to the N-HYPPADEC early warning via relocation to safe ground, clearing of drainages and evacuation of wastes.Earlier the Executive Chairman of Kogi Local Government Area, Abdullahi Isah commended the timely intervention of N-HYPPADEC in mitigation of flooding havoc in the area annually.