The Edo State Government’s Command and Control Centre has been lifting residents out of distress caused by flash floods resulting from 15 consecutive hours of torrential rains in Benin City, the state capital, which started about 6.00pm Friday, May 24, causing flash floods.
Edo State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said in a statement, that the State’s Command and Control Centre has since been responding to emergency calls from the impact of the incident, dispatching response teams to provide support and emergency care to areas most impacted. Nehikhare said the efforts would be sustained.
The Commissioner further averred that the State Government sympathises with the people of Edo State over the impact of the floods.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had a few weeks ago, warned of impending heavy flooding from torrential rains, Nehikhare observed.
He further added: “We had taken the alerts seriously and embarked on responsive strategies across the State’s flood management sites, especially retention ponds and other infrastructure to limit the impact of the flooding.
“The government had also deployed its officials to desilt drains and clear flood pathways in different parts of the State, preparatory to the predicted flooding across flood-prone sites and lowland areas across the State.
“Despite these, the heavy downpour of May 24, 2024, which lasted for over 15 hours, had stressed various flood flash points in the State, resulting in overflowing of the banks.”
“The State’s Command and Control Centre has since been responding to emergency calls from the impact of the incident, dispatching response teams to provide support and emergency care to areas most impacted by the incident. These efforts would be sustained.
“We enjoin the public to continue to explore these emergency lines as we sustain efforts to provide the needed support.”
