The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) last Wednesday called for restriction of the movement of children and old people to prevent them from being swept away by flood last year.

NEMA’s South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mr Iyiola Akande, told our correspondent in Lagos that Lagos and other coastal communities would record much flooding.

He said that the flooding would have devastating effect, if not well managed.

“No doubt, there will be much volume of flooding in Lagos and other coastal communities this rainy season due to the effects of climate change.

“We should, therefore, in our individual and collective ways, be proactive and prepared in the management and reduction of flood-related emergencies,’’ he said.

The NEMA official said that preparedness was the key to mitigating effects of flooding.

He called for collaboration between individuals, communities, organisations and governments in building flood risk reduction preparedness and mitigation measures.

Akande said that state ministries of the environment and physical planning should embark on demolition of structures built on drains and flood plains.

“It should be the responsibility of all, especially the relevant government agencies, to ensure that structures blocking free flow of water are urgently removed before the rainfall’s peak period.

“We have to prepare for the worst, and this needs commitment,’’ he said.

Akande advised the governments to equip health facilities and build camps for persons likely to be displaced, as well as stockpile warehouses with relief materials.

Our source reports that there have been many predictions by experts that there will be much rainstorms and flooding this year.