Concerned groups in Aso, Nasarawa State have appealed to residents to heed to the flood warnings issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The warning came following experiences of heavy down pour in several states of the country which has led to loss of lives and property.
Reacting to the heavy floods which affected, Dogongada in Lokogoma and Damangaza and Apo Dutse in Gudu Districts of the FCT, the concerned group said there was possibility for Aso village which is located close to the FCT to experience such.
While speaking with our correspondent, a concerned resident Mr. Balogun Ganiyu said “We will continue to educate residents in the language they will understand. Motorists should avoid driving on running water, wait for five or more minutes for the water to subside before driving. They should also cross check before leaving homes or work places to ensure that the road is safe”, he said.
“People should also avoid dumping their refuse in drainage across this area. Wherever there’s a little rainfall, you see children running out to dump refuse in the drainage and this is not good for the environment” he added.
While noting that the onset of the rains commenced in May, FEMA had already warned there’s likely going to be flooding in some areas.
The Director General, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Abbas had said, “We are going to have a little above normal rainfall this year. Therefore, residents should be wary of the devastating effects of flooding. Residents should avoid building on water ways, water channels, raising retention walls, and ensure that the required 25 meters gap between your house and the water channels/roads are allowed for safety in accordance with the Abuja master plan. When you do this we will all be safe”.
The FEMA boss who blamed flooding in the indiscriminate construction, infractions and urbanisation, assured that relevant agencies were working to remove all obstructions.
“We will advise them to remove any obstructions, nobody should assume that they can block water ways just because they want to have a wider space,” he said.