Excess rainfall: Benue embarks on precautionary measures

as experts make case for National Framework for Climate services

Following the rain warning signals by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom says the state has commenced sensitisation awareness of indigenes residing in riverine area who possibly face threats of flooding and the discharge of water from the Lado dams.

Ortom, who was in Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Abuja, recently, to solicit for support for higher institutions in the state, told newsmen that precautionary measures were already being taken by the state to ensure safety.

The high level of flood, it would be recalled, in 2012 overwhelmed Nigeria, causing a high rise in water level and overwhelming many riverine areas.

However, it would be noted that since then there was still no existing national framework for Climate Services, which experts said would solve the problem.

Also, Willy Obiano and Umar Tanko al-Makura, governors of Anambra and Nassarawa states, respectively, it was gathered had also taken precautionary steps like their Benue counterpart to avert any sort of danger that could be posed by flooding.

Al Makura has commenced the construction of N25 million accommodation facilities for the period the rain persists for relocation of those bothered in shores of the riverine area.

Willy Obiano, it was also gathered, has started explaining and sensitising the people in collaboration with the Army, Navy, Police, Red Cross, and the state emergency management agency, SEMA, to ensure the state is not overwhelmed when the rain pours heavily.

Meanwhile, Anthony Anuforom, director-general, NIMET, had earlier revealed the downpour might not be unconnected with the current climate change issues.

“What we are seeing at the moment is high intensity rainfall. Japan is currently facing similar issue, as some part is receiving 170 percent of the rainfall it normally receives per year. In Nigeria, many locations are having high intensity rainfall. If the normal downpour expected in a month comes down in two or three days, flooding is naturally expected,” he said.

He suggested further that early warnings should be followed up by early action, while making further case for national framework for climate services, which would solve the problem to a large extent.