Residents of Ebonyi State have appealed to the government to step up efforts to prevent flooding after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned that the state and 18 others could experience flash floods caused by heavy rainfall.
The agency explained that long periods without rain may make the soil hard, reducing its ability to absorb water and increasing the risk of flooding in affected communities.
Speaking on Friday, a resident identified as Chinedu Ngwuta described the warning as important and timely, urging the government to immediately begin stronger awareness campaigns across the state.
According to him, information about flood prevention should be spread through radio stations, marketplaces, community meetings, and local language programmes so residents can better understand the danger and protect themselves.
Ngwuta also called on the government to prepare Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps for people living in flood-prone areas, especially farmers who may refuse to leave their homes and farmlands without alternative shelter arrangements.
Another resident, Ukah David, criticised authorities for allowing buildings and business activities in areas vulnerable to flooding.
He stressed that many traders and farmers still operate close to waterways and drainage channels, adding that continuous public education is needed to reduce the risk.
Responding to the concerns, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Victor Chukwu, said the government had already started taking steps to reduce the impact of possible flooding in different parts of the state.
He advised residents to avoid farming around waterways and asked communities to cooperate with environmental officials working to prevent flood disasters.
According to the commissioner, the government has introduced several preventive measures, including massive tree planting, clearing of blocked drainage systems, and other environmental projects aimed at controlling flooding.
Chukwu also revealed that some communities, including Mbukobe, had already experienced flooding since the beginning of the rainy season, with several homes reportedly losing valuable property to the floodwaters.