The Delta chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), on Friday in Warri urged the state government clear debris from drainage channels to stave off flooding.
Dr Asibor Godwin said the charge became expedient so as not to have a recurrence of flooding in the state in 2023.
He also advised residents of flood plains to evacuate drainage channels in their neighborhoods, noting that there was already a prediction that Nigeria would experience severe flooding in 2023.
“Religious and traditional leaders, NGOs, and people in flood-prone communities in Delta should take appropriate steps to prevent and mitigate the devastating impact of floods in 2023.
“Government should undertake community enlightenment programs on planning, prevention, and mitigation of impact of floods.
“Civil Society Organizations should conduct community mobilization on strategies to prevent floods. The media should also conduct enlightenment campaigns on floods,’’ he said.
He added that taking proactive steps could help to prevent loss of lives, properties, infrastructure and crops, among others.
Godwin stressed that flooding could lead to increased poverty and vulnerability and called for collective efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
