The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong warning to residents living in flood-prone areas of Abia State to relocate immediately to safer locations, following predictions of heavy flooding expected to begin in August.
This warning was issued on Friday by the Abia State NSCDC Commandant, Akinsola Aderemi, through a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu.
According to the NSCDC, reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have identified several areas in Abia that are likely to experience serious flooding in the coming weeks.
“The safety of all residents is our top priority. We are asking people in high-risk areas to move out now before it’s too late,” said Commandant Aderemi.
To help prepare communities, the NSCDC has mobilised its Disaster Management Unit to work with local officers and area commanders to carry out sensitisation campaigns across all 17 local government areas of the state.
These campaigns are aimed at educating residents on how to prepare for possible flooding and reduce the risks to lives and properties.
The flood forecast identified nine local government areas as high-risk zones. These include Aba North, Isiala Ngwa North, Isuikwuato, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Arochukwu.
Aderemi assured the public of the NSCDC’s readiness to support communities during the flood season and urged residents to take early warnings seriously.
