Heavy Rains Imminent In Rivers -Expert

An environmental consultant in Rivers State, Pali-Alabo Maxwell Fubara, has alerted residents of the State of imminent heavy rain, amounting to 1.750mm in 2022, with attendant socio-economic implications for residents of the State.
Speaking with The Tide recently in Port Harcourt, Fubara urged residents not to panic, saying government at all levels are mapping out strategies to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties.
According to him, “The predicted onset, cessation and rainfall amount of 2022 is similar to the prediction for 2021, and the implication is that we are anticipating to experience rain pattern of high intensity and frequency similar to that of 2021.
“Lagos Island is expected to have a rainfall on set date as June 6 cessation date as September 30 and a total rainfall amount of 1627mm.
“However, the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for River State, generally, signifies that the onset dates range between March 17 in the earliest, and April 6,2022 at the latest, while the cessation dates ranges between September 30 and November 5, 2022. The Maximum Annual Rainfall (AR) amount is predicted to be 1,750mm”, he said.
According to him, it was expected that the recent increasing frequency of extreme weather events would continue in 2022 with days of extremely high rainfall amounts, which might result to acute flooding .
“I call for caution as strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall, just as envisaged harmattan are predicted, which may cause reduction in visibility and bring about flight disruption and loss of revenue due to delays and cancellations in the aviation sector”, Fubara said.
On expected flooding, he said, “the State Government will continue to reap the gains of careful and vigorous planning and execution, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent heavy rainfalls”.
Fubara , a Rivers State University-trained environmental expert, said towards ensuring a flood-free and hygienic environment in the State, it became imperative for the government to embark on an all year round drainage maintenance for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system .
Government, he said, should determine the maintenance of the long established synergy and partnership with the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), which, according him, has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from River Niger to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of Niger Delta river .
“This mutual relationship has been highly beneficial in the past and government should sustain it.” Fubara stated.

By: Bethel Toby