National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had advocated for a good urban planning practice and proper drainage strategy that would eliminate flooding within and around Port Harcourt metropolis.

The South-South co-ordinator of NEMA, Mr Emenike Umesi who said this last Thursday while speaking with The Tide in Port Harcourt said approval of houses to be built within Port Harcourt municipality should follow laid down procedures and rules of urban planning practice, so that people do not build houses on water ways that may cause flooding in the state.

Mr Umesi advised residents of the state to always ensure that their drains do not block water channels which may cause flood around the areas.

The South-South co-ordinator commended the Rivers State government for constituting a Flood Management Committee through which drainage system will be provided in most streets.

He warned all residents in the state to be careful with flood related cases and quickly contact a flood management agency, adding that research has shown that a moving flood that has gone as high as two feet level can pull down even a luxurious bus and also carry human being.

According to him, “If rain falls heavily non-synchronised drains will not be enough to contain the water, this will make it to spill into the town to cause flood into the area.”