The Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSC) has called on residents to develop community-based early warning systems and response plans against floods.

Gloria Bulus, the NCSC coordinator, stated this on Tuesday while reacting to the devastating floods in some parts of the country.

“Residents must understand that they are the first responders in the face of any emergency and must develop their own strategy or response plan. They must also set up their own early warning systems against floods including other climate-related hazards,” Ms Bulus said.

She pointed out that many parts of the country were experiencing floods, leading to the loss of lives and properties, describing the development as “worrisome.”

Ms Bulus called on the state governments to double their efforts to support communities that were at risk with an effective response mechanism to help save lives and properties.

The coordinator also appealed to responsible government agencies to set up temporary camps and early warning systems and provide relief materials for those affected.

She also said relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) must be strengthened regarding technical capacity, finance, and equipment for effective response.

“Additionally, waterways such as drainages must be free from blockages and built to support heavy amounts of water from different sources such as rain and rivers,” she said.

The environmentalist also noted the new dimension of flood in Kaduna state, with communities like Unguwan Dosa experiencing floods for the first time. She said the state government and its residents would have to “think outside the box” to mitigate floods in affected communities and prevent other communities from flooding disasters.

She advised that emergency response must be strengthened, adding that relevant MDAs and stakeholders must collaborate to address the issue. She further said assessments must be carried out with strategic decisions that will mitigate flood and effective response systems for the state and not leave behind the communities in decision-making.

“Governments at all levels must also come up with some form of social protection intervention to mitigate the impact of the devastating flood on the poor and vulnerable and reduce their risk of economic shocks,” Ms Bulus explained. One of the important functions of social protection is fostering disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.”

(NAN)