The state Commissioner for Environment, Chief Ifeanyi Ejikeme, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Awka.

“It works in such a way that when it approaches the yellow light, people are advised to leave the flood-prone areas with their personal effects."

“It must not get to the red light for people to leave because it will be catastrophic by then.”

The commissioner urged residents to imbibe the spirit of cleanliness both in their compounds and work places and ensure that waterways were not blocked.

“Residents should not wait for government to force them to sanitise their surroundings."

“Drainages and waterways should be properly cleared of all debris to ensure free flow of water to its terminal point, without causing disturbance to the environment,” he said.