The National Emergency Management Agency has advised stakeholders in the 18 local government areas of Delta State to get ready to handle possible floods.

This call to action was made during a one-day workshop organized by NEMA and the Delta State Emergency Management Agency. The workshop focused on “Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparation.”

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, was represented by the agency’s Head of Operation, Dahiru Yusuf, who explained the purpose of the workshop. “The workshop is aimed at encouraging behavioral change towards sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies in the state,” said Yusuf.

The main goals of the workshop were to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and to teach practical measures for flood preparedness. “To educate the public on the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health; to promote practical measures for flood preparedness and resilience in communities,” Umar emphasized.

Umar thanked the stakeholders for their participation and urged them to support NEMA’s efforts in ensuring proper waste management and flood mitigation in Delta State.

Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Ejiro Etacherure, highlighted the timeliness of the workshop. He mentioned that the state government has set up flood committees and camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to reduce the impact of floods. “The state government has also established flood committees and set up camps for IDPs at strategic places to mitigate the impact of floods across the state,” said Etacherure.

The director of SEMA, Karo Ovemeso, pointed out that the 18 local government areas invited to the workshop are the flood flashpoints in the state. He stressed the need for the communities to be prepared for heavy rains. “The situation may persist until the government constructs dams to take off the excess water from the overflowing rivers,” Ovemeso noted.

The flood-prone areas include Oshimili South and North, Warri South West, Burutu, Bomadi, Udu, Ndokwa, Patani, and others. Ovemeso called for a collaborative effort from waste management agencies, residents, and private sector participants to ensure proper waste management in the state.

NEMA also conducted a roadshow on Wednesday along Nnebisi Road to the popular Ogbeogonogo Market to raise public awareness about proper waste management. Lectures at the workshop covered topics like “Proper Waste Management,” “2024 Season Rainfall Prediction as it Affects Delta State,” and “Flood Preparedness and Health Implications of Flood.”

Participants included security agents, the Red Cross, Federal Road Safety Corps, environmentalists, representatives of NiMet, and National Youth Service Corps members, among others.