The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to improve flood control infrastructure and disaster preparedness in flood-prone regions of the country.

The Green Chamber said doing so would avert disasters associated with annual flooding.

The House spoke on a motion of urgent public importance to address flooding, following the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger State, where many people died and scores of property were destroyed. The motion was sponsored by Joshua Audu Gana and Saba Ahmed Umaru.

The House also asked the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide materials, including water purification equipment, to prevent disease outbreaks in the affected communities.

Leading the debate on the motion, Gana recalled that in late May, Niger and Kwara states experienced devastating floods which affected Mokwa and farm lands in parts of Kwara State.

The federal lawmaker noted that the disaster resulted in over 500 confirmed deaths, with more than 600 people still missing and presumed dead. At least 200 others were injured, and over 4,000 houses were destroyed.

He lauded the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who donated N2 billion through Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as Niger State Governor who also donated N1 billion, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians.