The National Hydro Power Producing Area Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency on flooding in the states covered by the commission following the increasing severity and frequency.
The managing director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, said reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) this year revealed that flood has so far claimed nearly 200 lives, displaced over 208, 000 people in 28 of the country’s 36 states and washed away many homes and farmlands.
“It is important here to note that 80% of the worst hit states are N-HYPPADEC member states as a result of their location and electricity generation activities taking place in these states,” he said.
He added, “The increasing frequency and severity of floods, which have caused significant disruptions to lives, property and economic activities in the affected areas, make it pertinent to further draw the attention of relevant stakeholders to the situation and plights of our communities as reports indicated that the situation could get worse in coming days.”
He said that there are sordid stories of floods from all N-HYPPADEC states, and the commission over the years has done a lot in the area of curtailing and mitigating the environmental crisis, but looking at the devastation this year as it affects critical infrastructure and people’s means of livelihood coupled with prediction on more flood to come there is need for more.
Consequently, the Managing Director said, “We call on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the flood, especially in N-HYPPADEC member states.
“This will reposition relevant agencies and critical stakeholders to not only take proactive measures in containing the devastating effect of the flood but also remain on the alert to ensure prompt response to possible occurrence in weeks to come.”
He said the N-HYPPADEC officials are already on the field, accessing the situations in all the benefitting states.
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