Flooding: NGO Trains Orashi Women on ‘Early Warning,’ Mitigation

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Even as flooding predictions loom over the country and the Niger Delta, a non governmental organization in Rivers State, Ese Usamali Foundation for Rural Development (EUFORDe), has organized a 3-day Early Warning Sensitization Workshop on Flooding, for community women in the flood-hit Orashi region of the state.

The region, encompassing Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and other local government areas, suffered the worst effects of the 2020 and 2022 flood incidents.

The program, which was in collaboration with Agricultural Development Program (ADP) Rivers State, and Ahoada Health Center; and supported by Trykod Engineering and Construction Company and Fab Photography, saw women participants from council areas in the region. sensitized on the 2023 NIMET’s prediction of flood.

In a chat with our reporter, executive director of EUFORDe, Mercy Elemechukwu-James, said “its objective to ascertain the women’s level of awareness and preparedness, was achieved,” noting that community women are aware but are handicapped in terms of preparedness, due to lack of funds.  

The foundation therefore called on the government, corporate organizations, non governmental organizations, international communities and stakeholders “to come to the aid of community people. There is need for government to undertake long term strategies to combat and cushion flooding and its impact.”

Participants at the workshop recommended that: IDP camps “should be fumigated, and equipped beforehand with mosquito nets, mattresses, foodstuff, medications, clothings, boreholes for pipeborne water, standby generator set and funds (sent directly to affected individuals).”

They also recommended that “community people can be evacuated before flood sets in avoid injuries, loses and death and security measures should be adopted, to ensure that IDPs are safe.”

Our reporter gathered that the women were also sensitized on issues related to health and gender based violence (GBV), which are effects of flooding, and an impact of climate change. 

As part of activities lined up for the 3-day workshop, Ese Usamali Foundation for Rural Development (EUFORDe), made tours to Ahoada East Local Government Council, Ahoada East Local Government Education Authority and to schools, to distribute education materials to children affected by the floods.