- How NDDC Foresaw Looming Disaster
The Chief Operating Officer, Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD), Morris Alagoa, has spoken on the expected flood that may ravage some states in the country, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and some states in the south-west and the north.
But he was particular about the havoc caused by what he called monster flood- the that ravaged Bayelsa and some parts of Rivers states in 2012 and 2022.
In an interview with TNN, the environmentalist said although the people of Bayelsa have, in the past, taken deliberate steps to prevent or overcome the flood, certain factors have always made it possible for the flood waters to overwhelm the people.
But Alagoa who is also the technical adviser to the Bayelsa State governor on environment has also spoken of the proactive action of the state government in readiness for the predicted flood.
His position is a reminder of preparations by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, some years ago, as announced by the managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
Alagoa told TNN that “being most deltaic, low-lying terrain, swampy environment and having the longest stretch on the Atlantic Coastline and more rivers and Creeks than any other in the Niger Delta; we expect flood annually during the rainy season.
“This is especially with the fresh water environment where excess water rises to overflow river banks and water from the swampy environment behind our communities also spread towards the communities.
“So, sometimes the communities are overwhelmed from the front (rivers) and back of the community (swamps). From time immemorial our people prepare for the flood season. The preparation includes: weaving special fish traps for flood-time fishing in the swamps and rivulets leading in and out of the swamps.
“Our people also prepare fish ponds in the swamps to be stocked by the annual floods as there are some fish and crayfish that you find only in the swamps, Lakes and fish ponds and not on the rivers. Also, lumberjacks who fell trees deep in the forests find it easier to push the logs from the interior to the river and destinations of interest. So, ordinarily there wouldn’t have been any cause for alarm.”
He said despite the preparations, the natural event would still destabilise the state and its people. “Due to the negative impacts of the annual floods; causing people to relocate even within their communities, destruction of farm crops, destruction of buildings, and river bank erosion; flood also comes with discomfort and some level of apprehension.
“There are different levels of annual floods experienced over the years. Our people know when the flood level is very low, moderate, big and when it assumes the monster status. Presently it is the monster floods that causes so much concern; as the discomfort and destruction of lives and property are equally very huge.
“Since 2012 we have experienced at least five monster floods; with that of 2022 being highest. And so, people, especially Bayelsans who knows that every year flood must come; have accepted it as part of our environment…what is strange and causes serious concern and fear is Monster floods.
“People are praying not to experience monster floods anymore, as besides all the destructions; it causes prices of goods and services to go up; especially if the East/West Road is damaged and prevents accessibility.”
He said even though NIMET has predicted that one of the worst flood experience may occur this year, “it is 50/50; it may or may not. After the 2012 Monster flood, predictions were made that 2013 would be worse. But Bayelsa State experienced one of the lowest floods ever in 2013.
“So, while people should take heed of the statement “to be forewarned is to be forearmed” there shouldn’t be too much panic in the meantime. Just as the Bayelsa State Directorate for Flood and Erosion Control is presently clearing all natural channels within Yenagoa and environs; residents of the state capital and indeed all Bayelsans should take all necessary steps towards ensuring thoroughfare in all drainages in their neighbourhood; natural or man-made as we are moving towards into the peak of the rainy season.”
He said the red flag may not have been so pronounced for Bayelsa this year. “Not much of red flag per se in Bayelsa State.The rainfall is not much, even though 2022 shocked everyone as that year had less rain and longest August break before the devastating monster flood arrived.
However, what we are seeing and hearing in parts of Nigeria, especially Lagos and outside Nigeria; Ghana’s capital; Accra was enough to cause panic.
“In Bayelsa State, some of us who have keenly observed the monster floods over the years have studied it enough to know when to panic and when not to. The red flag is when water is released in an uncontrolled manner from Lagdo dam in Cameron and Lokoja is overwhelmed.
“That’s the main Red Flag. After Lokoja is Onitsha. We monitor it from Lokoja to Onitsha. When Onitsha is overwhelmed, it takes about four to six weeks for the Monster flood to arrive Bayelsa State. Then Biseni and Okordia kingdoms would raise alarm.
“As you know, the Bayelsa State government since 2022 has adjusted the Education calendar to accommodate monster floods; hence we have Flood Break for all schools; public and private…to prevent avoidable loss of lives and to enable safety of lives and property”.
Just like the state government is being proactive, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku had foreseen the situation and decided to build six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the event of flood in the region.
Ogbuku had told journalists that “we have six of this facility currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
The NDDC boss assured that the Commission would intensify its efforts to light up communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta, with solar-powered street lights, as part of measures to fight criminality and maintain peace in the region.
