The Kwara state government wants residents to stay calm regarding the pattern of rainfall that has led to massive flooding in some parts of the state, an official said on Sunday.

Kamaldeen Aliagan, press secretary in the state’s ministry of environment, quoted the xommissioner in the ministry, Nafisat Musa-Buge, as giving the assurance in a statement in Ilorin.

“The rainfall is a temporary situation that will soon change,” Ms Musa-Buge said, describing the situation as a global phenomenon that could be attributed to the effect of climate change on the environment.

“It will be observed that our rainy and dry seasons no longer fall on the normal transition months.

“This is because human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land, consequent upon which weather extremes are being witnessed across the globe, including our immediate communities and other states,” the Commissioner explained.

She said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was deeply concerned about the situation.

Ms Musa-Buge said the state government had continuously taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and curb the anomaly, part of which was the dredging of the Asa River.

“Since the inception of the present administration, construction of bridges and desilting of drainages have begun across the state.

“Also, provision of additional waste bins, expansion of dump sites for proper waste disposal, encouragement of waste recycling, irrigation system for farmers, as well as regular advocacy and sensitisation on environmental issues, have also been done,” she said.

The commissioner then expressed sympathy with the families worst hit by the natural phenomenon, especially those who lost their properties and beloved ones.

She, however, urged residents to take safety steps, such as relocating to higher grounds, avoiding travelling when it was raining and following evacuation instructions made by environmental agencies.

“We urge residents to obtain necessary approvals from relevant government agencies before embarking on buildings of any kind and desist from building houses close to or on the waterways.

“Heed flood warnings and stop dumping refuse along watercourses, stop open burning, and desilt surrounding drainages, as well as plant trees.

“We implore individuals and non-governmental organisations to kindly support government in climate change adaptation and advocacy in order to build resilience and save our environment,” Ms Musa-Buge added.

(NAN)