Give Timely Information On Flooding, Senate Tells NiMET

Senate has called on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and other relevant bodies to promptly provide information, recommendations, and preparedness measures regarding flooding and other disasters.

This is to ensure that the public receives vital information promptly and to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Provide Palliative Support for Ipao, Itapaji, and Oke-Ako Communities in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State,” was sponsored by Senator Fasuyi, Cyril Oluwale (Ekiti North).

During the presentation of the motion, Senator Oluwale expressed concern over the violent windstorm and heavy rainfall that occurred on June 2, 2024, which destroyed houses, farmlands, schools, and other valuable properties in Ipao, Itapaji, and Oke-Ako towns in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

He also noted that another devastating storm occurred on June 6, 2024, further exacerbating the distress faced by the affected communities in Ekiti North Senatorial District.

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Senator Oluwale regretted the lack of warnings and advance information from government agencies to prevent and control such disasters, leading to constant fear and lack of preparedness among rural communities across the country.

He highlighted the absence of assistance from state or federal government agencies for the victims of these natural disasters.

Consequently, the Senate has urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide relief packages, including food items, building materials, farm tools, and other essential equipment.

These provisions are intended to help the affected people of Ipao, Itapaji-Ekiti, and Oke-Ako towns to rebuild their homes, alleviate their suffering, and prepare for the upcoming rainy season.

To ensure compliance with this resolution, the Senate has mandated the Committees on Environment and Legislative Compliance to oversee the implementation and report back within four weeks.

During the motion’s discussion, Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) shared his experience with NIMET, highlighting the agency’s requirement for a payment of N3 million to access information on recommendations and preparedness. He suggested that NIMET should be obligated to make all flood warnings available to the public, specifically to state governments. This proactive approach would adequately prepare potential flood victims and avoid repeated incidents in the same areas without proper warnings.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) emphasised the need for government agencies to provide up-to-date information on flooding and rainstorms proactively. He stressed the importance of preparing people for the arrival of rains and anticipating and preparing for the aftermath of the disasters.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary proceedings, echoed the call for NIMET to proactively share flood information without waiting for requests. He emphasised the importance of making this information readily available at all times.