N-HYPPADEC cautions Kogi communities on imminent floods, urges adherence to advice

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

NATIONAL Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has cautioned flood prone communities in Kogi to adhere strictly to warnings and advice by flood management agencies to relocate to higher grounds.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, made the call at the Palace of the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Dr Saidu Akawu-Salihu on Wednesday while on the spot monitoring of water level along riverine communities in the state.

The Managing Director who was represented by the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF), Alhaji Jimoh Haruna Gabi, stressed the need for Kogi People to strictly adhere to the ongoing flood advocacy sensitization for safety of their lives and property.

He told the royal father that the monitoring team of flood advocacy sensitization was in the area to address the issue of flood with a view to finding lasting solutions to the looming disaster.

Yelwa noted that flood could happen at any time with excessive rain fall, release of water from dams, obstruction of water ways, deforestation, inordinate wastes disposal among others.

He urged the people to pay adequate attention and heed the advice of experts to avert the menace saying that prevention is better than cure.

The “Katukan Yauri” and “Abeneche Atta-Igala” pledged that the Commission would leave no stone unturned in the effort to ensure strict adherence to its flood advocacy sensitization programmes on what citizens should do before, during and after flooding to mitigate the impact.

“To prepare for flood, people should have a home First Aid Kit, consisting of essential items like: emergency contact numbers, first aid manual, band-aids Hydrogen Peroxide, Thermometer and Sterile gauze pads.

Others are adhesive tape and bandages, safety pins, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipers or soap and emergency blanket among others

“During flooding, if your environment is a flood prone area, evacuate your self and family to a safe place or higher ground, turn off all electricity points in your home, help your neighbours and community as well as most vulnerable segment of the society in the rescue and evacuation process.

“After flood, people should avoid crossing moving water, stay away from damaged area of buildings, help your community in any possible way.

“Search for sources of essential supplies for your family and relatives, give first aid and medical treatment to flood victims, give way to ambulances and emergency workers”, he enjoined.

Yelwa also admonished traditional rulers in Kogi to complement government’s efforts in carrying out N-HYPPADEC Flood Advocacy Sensitization to their subjects.

Responding, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu appreciated the N-HYPPADEC in its partnership for humanitarian activities.

“I Thank N-HYPPADEC for its intervention to save lives and property of his people. It gladden our hearts for N-HYPPADEC concern to the plight of Koton-Karfe Community”

He promised logistics support where possible to the activities of N-HYPPADEC to secure a disaster free society. (Ends)