Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, Francis Nnadi, has called on residents of flood zones to evacuate immediately.
Nnadi, in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Emmanuella Ibeneme, said the appeal followed the severe flood warnings issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He said the agency had issued a serious warning to residents of flood-prone communities in Ebonyi State, urging immediate relocation in anticipation of severe flooding expected to hit the region in the coming days.
“There is the need for proactive evacuation from high-risk zones to avoid potential loss of lives and properties. The warning follows recent hydrological assessment indicating rising water levels across river basin in the state, particularly around the Ebonyi and Cross River systems.
“Communities in Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ishielu, Ivo and Afikpo South are among those most at risk.
“The agency said that the ongoing heavy rainfall and over saturation of waterways could lead to dangerous overflow, flash floods, and wide spread destruction if precautionary measures are not taken.”
The commandant mandated the head of the disaster response unit to do what was necessary without delay, including mobilising emergency teams to high-risk areas and conducting public awareness and sensitization campaigns.
He also directed immediate coordination with local authorities and traditional leaders to ensure compliance with relocation advisories.
