FEAR has gripped residents of Asaba and neighbouring communities within the River Niger in Delta State, following flooding that ravaged the area, weekend.
Although unconfirmed report said that some persons were swept away by the flood especially those living near the flood plain, state Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Dr. Tony Nwaka, said yesterday, that he was not aware of any casualty.
“Assessment of the Asaba flood is being carried out and the few displaced persons are staying with relations while the general impact of damage is being assessed,” he said.
On plans to avert a repeat of last year’s severe flooding in the state, Nwaka said “persons living on flood plains are responding to government directive to evacuate the area. Structures on natural waterways are being removed.
“There is on-going construction of new drains and de-silting of existing drains. Offices of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, are undergoing training on disaster management. Sensitization of the communities using radio jingles, town criers, television adverts are on-going in a bid to enhance awareness and preparedness,” he added.
