The Benue State government has made preparations for potential flooding by setting up camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across all 18 local government areas. This decision was made by the Technical Committee on Flood Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response during a meeting on Sunday in Makurdi.
According to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), eight local government areas in Benue are expected to be heavily impacted by the floods. These areas include Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Agatu, and Apa.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, outlined the locations of several camps designed to accommodate those displaced by the flooding. The identified camps include the International Market, Suswam Thank You Primary School, and Demekpe Primary School in Makurdi; Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala; and RCM Primary School in Logo.
Kunde emphasized the importance of relocating people from flood-prone areas, particularly those living near riverbanks. The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, assured that the agency is prepared to provide food and non-food materials to those affected by the floods. He also requested five flying boats from the National Emergency Management Agency to aid in the response.
Additionally, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, called for a detailed document on the number of children and women in flood-prone areas to address their health needs effectively. The International Organisation for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency have pledged their support to the state government to ensure readiness for any emergency situations.