ABUJA – In order to give early warnings on flooding, the Federal Government has established automated web-based flood early warning systems in Nigeria.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim who disclosed this at the program launch, said, the system is imperative in view of the agonising suffering experienced in the last few months in different parts of the country.

“Some of these tragic effects of flooding could have been prevented or, at best, mitigated. Ironically the quest for development, without adequate knowledge of the negative consequences of unwholesome human activities is largely responsible for these disasters,’ he said.

The SGF identified uncontrolled urban and rural development coupled with inadequate provision or blockage of drainages and canals with solid wastes, soil sediments as some of these activities.

He noted that the launch of automated web-based flood early warning system shows the commitment of the Federal Government at flood management in the country.

The SGF, who was represented by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Buka Tijani, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will expand the automated flood early warning system in all catchment and coastal areas of the country.

“We shall also support state government to establish community-based flood early warning system in vulnerable states,” he assured.

According to him, this would help states and local government in the country to strengthen their capacities in making decisions that will help to prevent loss of lives, destruction of properties and farmlands.

Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia said it is imperative for all hands to be on desk to guarantee the implementation of the system.

Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Dauda Toure, said the launch of automated web-based flood early warning systems would help in saving the lives and properties of Nigerians.