Agency asks people living in flood-prone areas to relocate

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Agency asks people living in flood-prone areas to relocate

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has advised people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to avoid natural disasters.

NIHSA's Director-General Mr Moses Beckley, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, said residing in flood-prone areas was unsafe.

"The states that are around the hydrological basins, artificial lakes and large reservoirs should make sure that they do not look for the trouble of the rivers by going too close to them.

"An artificial lake like the Jabi Lake, you can imagine for example, the purposes and the benefits of that lake right now.

"First and foremost, it is recharging the ground water system which will now make it easier for those in that environment to be able to reach the ground water level to attract water.

"The other purpose is that, as it's there you can use it for fishery purposes and also for irrigation and this won't cost much, compare to dam construction.

"However, where these things do not exist, it means therefore, that you have large amount of water, more so as most of the waters are coming in.

"About 88 billion cubic model of water is coming from the outside through the Niger River and the Benue.

"And it is expected that those living along those plains of course, should keep safe distances and those in the area where you have dams constructed, should also be careful on erecting structures close to dams in their midst.

"Because if there is high precipitation definitely, the reservoir or the dam rises up to the level where they do not feel comfortable, they have to shad some waters.

Beckley, therefore, urged government at all levels to consider the dredging and clearing of drains and canals in such areas.