Rivers asks residents of flood-prone areas to relocate

The Rivers state government has advised residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.

The warning follows a recent advisory by the federal government listing Rivers among states at high risk of severe flooding.

A statement on Tuesday by Hector Igbikiowubo, senior special adviser on media to the state government, said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is deploying teams to Rivers and other vulnerable areas to raise awareness about flood preparedness and mitigation.

He said the state government is fully aligned with this effort and is urging residents to act swiftly to protect lives and property.

Igbikiowubo noted that the state government also issued a warning against illegal land reclamation.

He noted that unauthorized reclamation of wetlands and other sensitive areas disrupts natural drainage systems and exposes communities to greater risks during heavy rainfall.

“The state will not hesitate to prosecute any individual or organisation found engaging in these unlawful activities,” the statement reads.

The government urged residents to clear blocked drainages, refrain from dumping refuse in waterways, cooperate with emergency response teams and follow official instructions.

Residents were also encouraged to report illegal land reclamation or other environmental violations to relevant authorities.

“The Rivers state government remains committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of all residents,” Igbikiowubo said.

“We urge everyone to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and adhere to environmental regulations.”