Abia Braces Up For Heavy Rainfall

The Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA), has called on stakeholders on disaster management to brace themselves for the expected havoc resulting from heavy rainfall this year.

The agency made the call in Umuahia last Thursday in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Mrs. A.K. Akachi.

The Tide’s source recalls that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had in February predicted heavy rainfall in some parts of the country, include Abia.

NIMET had said that the rainfall would be accompanied by flooding windstorm and spread of epidemics.

Akachi urged relevant stakeholders, including communities, ministries and local government councils, to ensure effective collaboration and adopt measures to mitigate the impact of the prediction.

She said that ASEMA would collaborate with all stakeholders and continue with its enlightenment programmes to make the environment conducive for all.

The executive secretary, however, urged farmers to take advantage of the prediction as there would be surplus food items such as tubers and horticultural crops in some locations

She advised livestock farmers to avoid low lying areas prone to flash floods, while fish farmers should also guard against washing away of their farms.

Akachi also called on agricultural departments to assist farmers in meeting anticipated processing challenges.