‎‎The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), said his administration is working to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency.
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‎This was contained in a statement issued by the Head, Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Juliana Masi, and made available to newsmen on Friday.
The statement partly read, “The State Emergency Management Agency will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management, and Control.”
‎He spoke during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control held in Port Harcourt on Friday.
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‎The administrator explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
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‎Ibas said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
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‎Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, the administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
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‎Ibas further said the state is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.
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‎According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.
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