BY Laide Akinboade
ABUJA—Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, Thursday, predicted massive flooding and erosion in some parts of the country, especially the coastal zone and river catchment areas later in the year.

Director-General of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, who disclosed this at the public presentation of 2012 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, 2012 SRP, in Abuja, said it was imperative for the Federal Government to create awareness in order to reduce damages and loss of lives and properties.

He said: “For hydrological and water resources sector, this implies adequate water and stream-flows which may affect the dam storage for municipal water supply, hydropower generation and irrigation.

“Development and regular maintenance of dams for dry season irrigation and water supply should be accorded high priority.

“However, episodic flooding and erosion in the coastal zone and river catchment areas maybe inevitable and as such, adequate publicity is highly recommended in order to reduce damages and risk of loss of life and property, especially in areas prone to river bank overflows.”

He said normal rainfall might result in flash flooding, particularly in the northern states, adding that wet spells and flash floods could occur, even in areas with a likelihood of near normal to below normal rainfall.

Anuforo said flash floods might lead to physical damage to crops in the field; agricultural equipment and structures, such as dams; infrastruc-ture such as roads, railway lines, telecom-munication networks, loss of lives and displacement of large population due to disruption of agricultural activities as a result of extreme weather conditions.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/03/nimet-warns-of-flooding-erosion/

This is the third time, i am posting a topic that relates to flood, storm and the moderators have refused to put his on the front page.

This year will be worse than last year if precautions are not taken when the rain starts.

By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — Members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Lagos branch have offered to assist the state government on its ongoing infrastructural renewal projects, especially to adequately monitor as well as inject standard in the implementation of projects.

This came as the state government stressed the need for professional bodies, corporate organisations, groups and individuals to support government’s efforts in the on-going renewal of the environment, particularly on the de-flooding projects in the state.

State Chairman of NSE, Olatunde Jaiyesimi, spoke yesterday, when he led executives of the state branch on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, seeking for working relationship with the state government.

On his part, Bello expressed the state’s readiness to partner with the professional body and reiterated Governor Babatunde Fashola’s call on professional bodies to support the government programmes in the interest of the public.

The commissioner, who commended the group for its initiative said: “Government cannot claim to know it all, though our government, led by our efficient and effective, visionary Governor Babatunde Fashola, has structure in place. The advantage Lagos has over other states is the availability of high quality staff in the environment ministry.

“I want to assure you that the offer will be taken as a challenge and we will explore it because in every challenge there is an opportunity. Lagos is ready to partner with you because every public property belongs to the people, we are all government. It is our tax that government uses to provide every infrastructure, pay salaries and procure this and that.”

This is a wake-up call for other professional bodies to come forward and assist government. We have a long way to go. There is work in progress but most importantly, it is to lay sustainable foundation for the future.”

Earlier, Jaiyesimi, said the body had been studying with keen interest, various laudable projects under execution by the state government to reclaim and transform Lagos into one of model city in Africa and the world in general.

He said: “We are here to explore ways of mutual cooperation in assisting Lagos state government in many ways, especially in achieving the mega city status. One of the ways of partnership could be through robbing of minds in finding solutions.

We can partner and offer professional support on drainage construction, building and other environmental projects. We are ready to assist government if called upon.

BlackPikiN:

This is the third time, i am posting a topic that relates to flood, storm and the moderators have refused to put his on the front page.

This year will be worse than last year if precautions are not taken when the rain starts.

@OP

Sorry your topic is a bit weird. you are not castigating the "north" or the yorubas; how do you expect to get passengers?

your topic is on an issue. but nairalanders are more interested in tribalism/sectionalism/regionalism/religion, ego, superiorism and blame-game, fault-finding and outright mischief. hence i'm not surprised, at all, that this all important thread does not receive the attention it rightly deserves.

anyway while we continue as if nothing is impending, when calamity strikes, naturally or otherwise, we recourse to our "churches", "mosques", "shrines" etc for succour, as usual.

you have done your bit; like the prophet crying in the desert. they may not hear you now; but when the reality downs, it may be a bit too late.

this is my opinion.

^Embarrasing but true.
@Topic,to be forewarned.Btw,what do NIMET advice the average and ordinary Nigerians to do as a control measure?The write up borders on what govt. should do,what little but helpful precautionary measures should people in Ajah,Lekki,VI etc take?

Ofcourse, even with the warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), our leaders and emergency agencies (e.g. NEMA) will pay a zero attention until the last seconds. Its high time we took our meteorologists serious in this country. I not only speak as a meteorologist but also as a concerned citizen.

@Ifyalways, As a mitigative measure, inhabitants of flood prone areas should endeavour to clear their drainages off waste blockages, ensure no construction is erected on natural flood plains, have their building foundations raised or simply evacuate those unsafe regions.

It is not enough for the Federal Government to create awareness in order to reduce damages and loss of lives and properties as NIMET advised, the FG should put in place a practicable emergency response plan since the infrastructure on ground ain't enough to prevent flooding. The Nigerian government has not done enough as far as the security and protection of the citizenry is concerned. The earlier the Federal, state and Local governments heed this warning and take appropriate combative measures against the impending danger of flooding, the better for everyone. Those in coastal and flood-proned environs should also be alert and have a well prepared ERP of their own and should not totally depend on the govt!

God pls have mercy on us. Let not d destructn of last year re-visit us.

Mu he he he he he!

Thieves! They are looking for their own share of the national cake. NIMAT my anus. Since every ministry have been receiving a lot of funding, they are lookng for theirs. Bunch of crooks.

What parameters were used to predict this? What satellite data was utilized? Nonsense and ingredients. Filthy thieves.

Is everyone in Nigeria a thief?

The best way to avoid this is for the govt to declare a day or two off to avoid the sad occurrences that happened last year.
No school, no work. Keep your kids at home.
Nobody should form hardman except you know how to find your way.

It's commendable that early warning systems are put in place.
But that delivers little in the absence of resources to cater for the affected individuals,
resources or legislation to prevent or reduce the destructive effects of climate change.

Long term plans must be initiated and put into place to limit deleterious effects of climate change.

This will be a child's play.
Make people no go stay beside any pole whether na Nepa or any Mast!

It is just the fact that we have to live with, that we should expect more floods this year, as been predicted by NIMET. However, for every response, indigenous knowledge and citizenship reporting has helped in countries that are witnessing such.If you are in Lagos, remember there is an emergency toll free number - 767. Please share!

Nevertheless, there are several things to do in an emergency situation like floods which as been more prevalent in Nigeria

1. Get an emergency supply kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
2. Make a plan for the family in case you get separated , to make a contact and meeting point when separate.
3. Stay informed on current situation.

Other important things that should be done in an emergency situation are:

1. Be aware that flash flooding can occur, and if there is possibility it will happen, then move to a higher ground.
2. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, etc.
3. Move furniture in house to an upper floor.
4. Disconnect all electricity appliances and do not touch electrical equipment when it is wet.
5. Do not walk through moving water and do not drive as well.

With that said, community habits especially waste disposal should be addressed by each of us. Many communities in Nigeria are not aware of this issue and for instance dispose tons of waste in nearby drainage and rivers. Please advise and instruct such communities to desist from such act, its just the little we can do to help one another!

FYI: If you are privileged to have internet connection often, and have some spare time, why not join a group of Nigerians volunteering to create a data set for Nigeria, to be used whenever we have emergencies such as drought, floods and other disasters. You can check in here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGJ6cDhxdzdsQkZnellTdjk3bkk1VUE6MQ

Please share this on your networks.

Put thread on front page- I support.

Roofs were brought down.

Keep yourself indoors in a safe place

No one should go outside because the rain and heavy water current fit carry person go.

People wey dey ground floor should move to a safer place if they see say water dey rise especially in places wey no get better drainage.