FLOOD DISASTER: APOSTLE ZILLY AGGREY SAYS 'IT IS WELL'

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We have a challenge: Over the past few weeks, unprecedented floods have ravaged many parts of our country, rendering tens of thousands of fellow Nigerians homeless, and causing massive destruction of property, farmlands and infrastructure. At least 140 people have been killed around Nigeria and tens of thousands have abandoned their homes since the beginning of July, officials say. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called it the worst flooding in 50 years. (As Kofi Annan puts it: "The task is not just to preserve water resources to sustain life, but also to reduce the capacity of water to take life away)

President Goodluck Jonathan described the flooding of several Nigerian states a national disaster. He is dead right as some aerial views of affected states show. A whole town flooded in Rivers state. The pictures capture the effects of the flood in Rivers, Anambra, Delta and Bayelsa states. The flood equally affected Kogi, Edo and Benue states, swallowing towns, destroying homes and farmlands. The Red Cross put the number of the dead at 148, although some observers said the figure could be an understatement of the casualties. Thousands of people lost their homes, an estimate put between 64,000 and a million, across all the states ravaged by the flood. Floating Homes in Bayelsa. The value of homes destroyed is estimated in billions of naira. No wonder President Jonathan charged the Aliko Dangote committee to look for N100billion Naira, in addition to the $110 million the government has agreed to release to give relief to the victims of flood.

What is responsible for flood, was this year flood predicted? Yes. Flooding imminent in 12 states-NIMET (The Nigerian Meteorological Agency) warns!! Floods are as a result of flow of water exceeding the capacity of the river channel.(poorly developed river channel,) Unexpected drainage obstructions &.low drainage capacity. Combination of tidal sea surges in coastal areas or water in the lake or reservoir overflowing.Dam breaking or overflow. Intense rain. (Global warming) Narrow valleys or ravines, topography, soil conditions, Urbanization processes. Insufficient flood control facilities in urban areas poorly designed and executed engineering works, insufficient and ill-advised infrastructure for flood defenses & low institutional capacity and lack of integrity in human capacity decisions. This year flood also increased following the release of water from a dam in Cameroon that caused Nigeria's River Benue to overflow.

At times even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that may appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Wherever you live, be aware of potential flooding hazards. Flood alone is a hazard but when it affects man and his property or activities we call it disaster. Flood is a disaster because it results in: Loss of lives, Loss of agricultural products, Loss of soil fertility for agriculture, Demolition of buildings and rendering many homeless, Destroying livestock and other valuable assets. Cholera and other health related problems…….. The most logical means of virtually eliminating the hazardous floods may be by moving away settlements from near rivers and other bodies of water.

Disaster Management & Evacuation - What to do when it happens……If you reside in a flood prone area, listen to the radio or television for information. Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain. …..Avoid building in a flood plain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following: Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Evacuation procedure: Children and the aged need to be assisted first to a safe haven. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. Do not drive into flooded areas.

Is the flood disaster a sign of God’s judgment on Nigeria? Why did Apostle Zilly Aggrey say, it is well with Nigeria and Nigerians in the face of this disastrous flooding that has ravaged Nigeria villages? “The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord.”(Prov. 21:31). “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19). He premised his prophetic utterance and prayers for the wellbeing of all Nigerians on the RAINBOW CONVENANT. “And I will remember my Covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh……. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting Covenant between God and every living creatures of all flesh that is upon the earth”(Gen 9;15-16). All covenant children of God have this covenant walking and can be assured as the Scripture says in Isaiah 3:10: “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them. For they shall eat the fruit of their doings”.

Written By Dr. Lewis Akpogena
akpogena@yahoo.com