By Cynthia Kpebesaane, GNA
Lawra (U/W), July 16, GNA – The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has engaged scores of communities in the Lawra Municipality on flood safety tips to avert any human failures in flood prone zones as the rains set in.
The NADMO Secretariat has blamed the wanton destruction of lives and property largely on human failures after floods continue to sweep away farmlands and homes every year, leading to huge costs to the state.
Officials of the organisation said during the three-day public education, their efforts and plans to prevent any future disaster was occasioned on the prediction that there would be heavy rains this year.
Mr Robert Sierzagla, the Lawra Municipal Director of NADMO, advised flood prone communities to be wary of the flood risk in the areas they live, work or attend school and also avoid building along waterways.
He urged them to always identify where they could seek shelter first in the event of flooding and added that there is the need to ensure that drains and sewage pipes were regularly cleaned for easy passage of rainwater.
“Pay attention to flood alerts during the flooding season,” he said.
Mr Joseph Glover Quatey, The Lawra Municipal Operations Officer of NADMO, said there is the need for all to move to higher grounds when they notice the slightest signal that their homes were getting flooded.
He said there is the need to turn-off their electrical and gas appliances before evacuating, adding, “Assist children, persons with disabilities, elderly people and pregnant women who need help to reach safe havens”.
“If possible, ensure that any assistive device used by a person with disability is not left behind during evacuation,” he said: “And avoid walking or driving through floodwater as snakes and poisonous insects maybe present, or you may fall into a pit or uncovered drain”.
He also advised that people should only return to their homes or schools that have been certified to be safe and thoroughly cleaned for habitation.
“Also ensure that there are no faults before turning on electricity, gas, or water,” he said.
Those flood victims who are traumatized should be assisted to seek help from health professionals through the NADMO officer.
The communities that participated in the programme included Orbil, Bagri, Yikpee, Gbier, Metho, Birifo, Char, Baatan, Tanzeri, Mwangbil, Baapire, Tangzu, and Gombille.
The rest are Babli Zone which included Birifo, Char bataani, Tanzeri, Mwangbil, Baapare, Tangzu, Birifo Gombille and Metho.
GNA
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