The National Emergency Management Agency has urged the Rivers State Government to construct emergency shelters that will provide accommodations for flood victims in the state.

The agency’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, Adebiyi Rasaq, spoke during an interview in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency recently warned of impending flooding in 11 states, following the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.

Mr Razak stated that the emergency shelters would serve as temporary refuge for Internally Displaced Persons during the anticipated flooding.

“The IDP camps should be built on safer and higher grounds. Provisions should be made for food, medications and other essential items,” he said.

The NEMA official said there was an immediate need to clear the drainages and natural water channels to ensure proper channeling of water.

“Early warning information should be disseminated in local dialects to ensure effective enlightenment at the grass-roots,” Mr Razak urged.

The state coordinator commended Bayelsa State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for establishing a nine-member flood committee, tasked with coordinating emergency response and managing the effect of the incident.

He urged the committee, led by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, to take prompt actions towards mitigating the impact of the incident.

States predicted to be impacted by the water release are, Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Rivers.

(NAN)