The Senate has urged Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) to make public, all flooding forecast, information to Nigerians to ensure preparedness on flood mitigation.
It said awareness on flood information would facilitate the provisions of precautionary measures and avoid loss of lives and properties.
Senate resolutions followed adoption of a motion on “Urgent Need to provide Palliative Support for Ipao, Itapaji and Oke-Ako Communities in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The motion was sponsored by Sen. Cyril Fasuyi (APC- Ekiti North).
Fasuyi said on June 2, a violent windstorm and heavy rainfall affected Ipao, Itapaji and Oke-Ako towns in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
He said the storm resulted to destruction of houses, farmlands, schools, properties, food items , shelters and other valuables.
He said the victims were currently living in deplorable conditions, having been dispersed to some neighboring villages to live with friends and relatives with little or nothing to cater for the needs of their families.
Fasuyi expressed worry that government agencies did not provide warning and advance information to prevent and control imminent disasters on the communities across the country.
He said the communities have continued to experience constant fear and absence of knowledge for preparedness to avert natural disasters.
“So far, no agency of the state or federal government has come to the assistance of the victims of these natural disasters”.
Contributing, Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC- Delta) expressed concern over the failure of Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) to provide information, when he sought for it on recommendations and preparedness of NIMET.
According to him, he was asked to pay three million naira to get the information.
Dafinone said NIMET should be asked to make all flood warnings available to the public and specifically to the state governments.
This, he said would help the people to adequately prepare for any eventuality.
Sen. Joel-Onowakpo (APC-Delta) said the issue of flooding and rainstorm have become a perennial disaster .
He said relevant government agencies should be proactive in providing the needed information for people to get prepared for the wet season.
“Knowing when the rains will come and preparing for the disaster that will occur thereafter is very important,” he said.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin(APC-Kano), who presided over the plenary said NIMET should not wait for people to ask for the information on flooding, but should make such information available at all times.
Senate in its further resolution urged Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief items especially, food items, building materials, farm tools and other essential equipment to affected communities.
It mandated Committees on Environment and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance with the resolutions and report back to plenary in four weeks.(NAN)
By Kingsley Okoye
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