The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to adopt safer practices, heed weather forecasts and comply with flood warnings to prevent loss of lives and property, as it intensifies efforts to mitigate flooding across the state.
The Technical Advisor to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji on Green Economy and Ecological Matters, Dr Akinyemi Akinyugha, made the appeal while featuring on *Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today* , a live radio programme in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinyugha said the state government had dredged waterways and streams in urban centres and communities, de-silted drainages, and rehabilitated and expanded bridges as part of measures to reduce the impact of flooding.
He said the government regularly disseminated rainfall forecasts and updates from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), urging residents to rely on radio broadcasts and other official channels for timely weather information.
The Technical Advisor disclosed that fatalities recorded so far from flooding in the state resulted from people attempting to wade through floodwaters and motorcyclists riding through stormwater.
He warned that such risky practices could lead to avoidable deaths and injuries, advising residents to remain in safe places until floodwaters subsided.
According to him, most stormwaters in the state recede within a few hours, making it unnecessary for residents to risk their lives by attempting to cross flooded roads or waterways.
Akinyugha also advised residents to remain indoors during heavy downpours, while those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and move to higher ground when necessary.
He cautioned against taking shelter under large trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes and electric shocks.
The Technical Advisor attributed the increasing severity of flooding partly to climate change and global warming, which he said contributed to heavier rainfall and increased the risk of flash floods in tropical regions, including Nigeria and Ekiti.
On road infrastructure, Akinyugha attributed damage to some federal roads to the activities of heavy-duty trucks, noting that some of the roads were constructed more than three decades ago, when rainfall patterns and the courses of some rivers differed from what obtains today.
He, however, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to maintaining roads under its jurisdiction in good condition.
The Technical Advisor commiserated with victims of recent flooding in the state and urged residents to prioritise their safety during rainfall rather than risk their lives in a hurry to reach their destinations.
He also warned against indiscriminate waste disposal in waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding.
Akinyugha urged residents to make proper use of the Dino bins provided across the state for waste disposal.
He further encouraged the reuse of materials to extend their lifespan and reduce the volume of waste generated.
The Technical Advisor reiterated that proper waste management, compliance with environmental guidelines and adherence to development control regulations were essential to mitigating flooding and maintaining ecological balance in the state.
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