Following the devastating floods of 2024, Rivers State is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of potential flooding this year, according to State Administrator Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Speaking during a visit from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Admiral Ibas emphasized community awareness and preparedness as key components of the state’s strategy.
The state’s commitment was highlighted by the recent multi-agency flood simulation exercise in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, which Admiral Ibas described as a crucial step in boosting public awareness and operational readiness.
He stressed the severity of last year’s flooding, which displaced hundreds of thousands, destroyed farmland, and isolated entire communities.
Several initiatives he said were underway to bolster the state’s resilience include upgraded IDP Camps, which are being renovated to provide better shelter in case of displacement; maintenance of canals and drainage systems, particularly in Port Harcourt to improve water flow and prevent urban flooding; enhanced environmental by Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) to prevent blockages that worsen flooding; and establishment of Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RVSEMA) to strengthen coordination and response capacity.
Admiral Ibas praised the partnership with NEMA, stating, “I feel truly encouraged by this partnership… the state government will deploy all available resources in pursuit of this goal.”
Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting at NEMA, led the delegation and commended Rivers State’s proactive measures. He lauded the Mbiama simulation exercise as “the best of its kind ever organized in the state,” emphasizing its success in demonstrating coordinated emergency response.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Rivers State Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control 2025. The collaborative effort aims to create a robust disaster preparedness and response framework for all Rivers State residents.
