By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Edo State Government says it has embarked on responsive strategies across the state’s flood management sites, especially retention ponds and other infrastructure to limit the impact of flooding.

The government also sympathized with Edo people over the impact of the flash flood across Benin City, as a result of heavy down pour on Friday, May 24, 2024.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) had few weeks ago warned of heavy flooding from torrential rains. We had taken the alerts seriously and embarked on responsive strategies across the State’s flood management sites, especially retention ponds and other infrastructure to limit the impact of the flooding.

“The government had also deployed its officials to desilt drains and clear flood pathways in different parts of the State preparatory to the predicted flooding across flood-prone sites and lowland areas across the State.

“Despite these, the heavy down pour of May 24, 2024, which lasted for over 15 hours, had stressed various flood flash points in the State, resulting in overflowing of the banks.

“The State’s Command and Control Centre has since been responding to emergency calls from the impact of the incident, dispatching response teams to provide support and emergency care to areas most impacted by the incident.

“These efforts would be sustained. We enjoin the public to continue to explore these emergency lines as we sustain efforts to provide the needed support.”