The Senate has urged the Nigerian Metrological Agency to make flooding forecast information public to Nigerians to ensure preparedness for flood mitigation.

It said awareness of flood information would facilitate the provisions of precautionary measures and avoid loss of lives and properties.

Senate resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on “Urgent need to provide palliative support for Ipao, Itapaji and Oke-Ako communities in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The motion was sponsored by Cyril Fasuyi (APC-Ekiti North).

Mr Fasuyi said on June 2, a violent windstorm and heavy rainfall affected Ipao, Itapaji and Oke-Ako towns in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

He said the storm resulted in the destruction of houses, farmlands, schools, properties, food items, shelters and other valuables.

He said the victims were currently living in deplorable conditions, having been dispersed to some neighbouring villages to live with friends and relatives with little or nothing to cater for the needs of their families.

Mr Fasuyi expressed worry that government agencies did not provide warning and advance information to prevent and control imminent disasters in communities across the country.

He said the communities continued to experience constant fear and an absence of knowledge for preparedness to avert natural disasters.

He stated, “So far, no agency of the state or federal government has come to the assistance of the victims of these natural disasters.”

In his contributions, Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) expressed concern over the failure of the NiMET to provide information when he sought it based on the recommendations and preparedness of the agency.

According to him, he was asked to pay N3 million to get the information.

Mr Dafinone said NiMET should be asked to make flood warnings available to the public and specifically to the state governments.

This, he said, would help the people adequately prepare for any eventuality.

Joel Onowakpo (APC-Delta) said the issue of flooding and rainstorms had become a perennial disaster.

He said relevant government agencies should be proactive in providing the needed information for people to get prepared for the wet season.

He stated, “Knowing when the rains will come and preparing for the disaster that will occur thereafter is important.’’

The deputy president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over the plenary, said NiMET should not wait for people to ask for information on flooding but should make such information available at all times.

The Senate, in its further resolution, urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief items, especially food items, building materials, farm tools and other essential equipment, to affected communities.

It mandated committees on environment and legislative compliance to ensure strict compliance with the resolutions and report back to plenary in four weeks.

(NAN)