The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, says it has begun sensitisation campaign in flood prone communities in the state to mitigate the impact of flood disaster.
Rabiu said that the sensitisation campaign became necessary due to the recent flood disaster that submerged many houses in Nasarawa town in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
He explained said that the campaign was aimed at educating residents on the risk factors associated with flooding with a view to mitigate the impending disaster as predicted by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“NiMet predicted that flooding would occur in 32 states including Nasarawa State, hence the need for precautionary measures to protect lives and property,” he said.
According to him, the council is mobilising its members in all 13 LGAs of the state to embark on flood enlightenment campaigns from ward to ward, in markets and other public places.
Rabiu assured that the council was prepared to provide manpower support to the State Government to handle any eventuality that could arise.
“The council will also partner with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) to intensify the awareness programme across the state.
“Our mission is to coordinate resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in the state,” Rabiu said.
He stressed the need for all agencies to intensify flood abatement, prevention and mitigation efforts across the state.
Rabiu urged residents to take personal responsibility for the safety of their environment, noting that disaster management required collective effort from both the government and the governed.
He said that NYCN was impressed with Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s prompt response to the recent flood disaster which ravaged parts of Nasarawa Local Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 200 houses were submerged by flood in Nasarawa LGA on Sept. 20, following heavy rains.
Also affected by the flood were shops, schools and places of worship.
NAN also reports that Gov. Sule had visited the area to assess the situation and ordered the immediate evacuation of the victims to higher grounds as well as the provision of food and other relief items to ameliorate their plight.
