Ebonyi NSCDC boss, Nnadi warns residents living in flood zones to vacate

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ebonyi state command, Francis Nnadi on Tuesday warned citizens of the state living in flood zones to vacate immediately.

Nnadi made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the command’s spokesperson, ASCI, Emmanuella Ibeneme.

The Commandant, Nnadi noted that the order to vacate the flood prone zones by citizens of the state followed the Severe flood warnings by the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA).

The Nations News reports that the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA) had issued a critical warning to residents of flood-prone communities in Ebonyi state, urging immediate relocation in anticipation of severe flooding  expected to hit the region in the coming days

The statement reads in part: “This alert was made public today in Abakaliki by the commandant, who emphasized  the need for proactive  evacuation from high-risk zones to avoid potential  loss of lives and properties. 

“The warning  follows recent hydrological  assessment  indicating rising water levels across river basin in the state, particularly around the Ebonyi and Cross River systems

According  to NIHSA, communities in Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ishielu, Ivo and Afikpo South are among those most at risk. 

The agency has noted that the ongoing  heavy rainfall and over saturation of waterways could lead to dangerous  overflow, flash floods, and wide spread destruction if precautionary measures are not taken.

It was gathered that the state commandant  has mandated the head of disaster response  unit to do the needful  without delay including 

mobilization of emergency teams to high risk areas, public awareness and sensitization  campaigns.

Also to ensure immediate coordination  with local authorities  and traditional  leaders to ensure compliance with relocation  advisories.

“The safety of our citizens in paramount, we cannot afford to be reactive, we must act now. We are calling all residents  in low- lying or flood prone zones to relocate  to designated safe areas until the danger subsidies.

He, however, advised residents to stay tuned to verified news sources and official bulletins. Avoid crossing swollen rivers/ flooded areas and follow instruction from emergency  personnel  and community leaders.