The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning about impending floods in several states, including Kogi, Benue, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa. The alert comes as water levels in the River Niger and River Benue continue to rise, putting communities downstream at high risk.
NEMA has urged these states, particularly those in the central and southern regions of Nigeria, to take immediate precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the potential floods. Some of the recommended actions include clearing blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating residents from flood-prone areas to higher and safer grounds.
In a statement released Thursday night by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency emphasized the importance of early preparedness. The goal is to prevent a repeat of the recent floods that have devastated many communities, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, and destruction of properties and infrastructure.
“The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities, and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far,” the statement read.
In addition to physical measures, NEMA also advised communities to stay informed by monitoring weather updates and flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents are encouraged to relocate from flood-prone zones and avoid crossing flooded areas.
The agency further assured the public that it is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other stakeholders to coordinate rescue and relief efforts through its National Emergency Operations Centre based at its headquarters.
NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, stressed the importance of community vigilance and swift action, saying: “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding.”
The agency remains on high alert, ready to provide necessary support to affected areas as the flood threat looms.
