THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is partnering with the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to check flash flood in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flash flood is a seasonal disaster that confronts the state and even within Enugu metropolis, yearly.

NEMA Zonal Coordinator Mr Fred Anusim told NAN in Enugu on Friday, that the agency was also extending the sensitisation to communities and council areas, mostly affected by flash flood.

Anusim said that the agency was also engaging the chairmen of the councils to ensure de-silting of all drains ahead of the major months of the rainy season.

‘‘We have met with the heads of the ministry and SEMA on the issue.

‘‘As a lead emergency agency, NEMA wants to put an end to yearly recurrence of flash flood in the state.

‘‘Apart from the community sensitisation, we have also involved council chairmen to see that they mobilise resources and volunteer groups to de-silt major waterways and drains in the localities.

‘‘NEMA believes that ending flash flood in Enugu State is achievable, if residents in the state cooperate with us and the government for a clean environment,’’ he said.

He emphasised the urgent need for residents to be environmentally-disciplined and shun habits of throw refuse into drains as well as dumping them indiscriminately.

Anusim also said that the agency was tinkering with the idea of collaborating with the state ministry and SEMA to check indiscriminate dumping of refuse by using the mass media especially the radio.

‘‘It is lack of care of the environment by individuals and group through injurious environmental practices that had made flash flood a persistent challenge in the state,’’ he said. (NAN)

– June 14, 2019 @ 16:29 GMT |