Edo Govt Issues Flood Warning as Cameroon Opens Dam

By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Following the opening of a dam in Cameroon, Edo State Government has advised residents living in lowlands, river banks and other flood-prone areas in the state to take proactive action and relocate to safer parts of the state to avoid being affected by floods which may arise.

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The government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Austin Akhuamhenkhun, on behalf of the Commissioner, said “the Federal Ministry of Environment has alerted on the opening of a dam in the Republic of Cameroon which may lead to flooding in parts of the country in addition to the current heavy rainfall recorded in the year.”

The statement added that the State Government through the Ministry has put in place an action plan to ensure a flood-free 2015 through elaborate and extensive de-siltation exercise of major towns in addition to the ongoing Benin City Storm Water master plan.

“The good people of Edo State are therefore advised to collectively take the following precautions to forestall an incident of flooding and its consequence in the State.

“The people are advised to desist from indiscriminate waste dumping habits that end us blocking the drains which can result in the breeding of mosquitoes, flies and other disease carriers that may eventually result in a high prevalence of malaria, yellow fever, Lassa fever and cholera. Always use the provided waste bins. Ensure to de-silt the drains in front of our houses and cart away same.

“People living in low lands, river banks and other flood-prone areas such as Ilushi, Agenebode, Udaba and others are advised to re-locate to higher grounds. Because of the expected rainfall pattern in 2015, residents are advised to take a second look at the binding of their roofs to ensure that they are firm”, it added.

Additionally, the state government has called on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to immediately take another look at all their distribution facilities within the state to ensure that they are strong enough to withstand any stormy weather in order to avoid electrocution-related incidents and deaths.

Edo Govt Issues Flood Warning as Cameroon Opens Dam