From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has sympathised with farmers in Argungu Local Government Area and other parts of Kebbi and Niger states whose farm produce were destroyed by recent flood disaster.
It described the incident as a very sad development capable of affecting the country’s drive to enhance sustainability and food security.
The Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, in a statement by Mallam Nura Tanko Wakili expressed concern over the disaster.
“The agency noted with concern the effects of this development on the livelihoods of the affected communities and commended the Federal Government for its prompt response in setting aside N3 billion to support victims of the disaster.
“The Commission had earlier embarked on sensitisation campaigns through the mass media and advocacy visits which minimised the impact of the flood on riverine settlements. However, farmlands, especially on the flood plains, could not escape the natural disaster.
“The Commission, therefore, emphasised the need for strict adherence to safety measures by the affected communities as predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) of rising water levels on the Rivers Rima and Niger, as well as a report of yet another rising water level on River Niger system by Niger Basin Authority (NBA), in Niamey Niger Republic, poses a serious threat of more flooding in days to come.
“The situation which is reported to be an update of the situation in Niamey is informed by upstream activities in both Niger and Mali flood waters, which are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.
“As NIHSA continues to monitor the flood situation in the country and provide periodic updates to the general public accordingly, N-HYPPADEC urges communities to be vigilant, listen to the updates on radio and television stations and abide by instructions from relevant authorities on safety measures.”