The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a flood alert for 15 high-risk states in Nigeria, following a forecast by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The alert was issued by NEMA's Director General, Zubaida Umar, who activated the agency's zonal directorates and operations offices to be on standby. The states at risk include Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia.
According to NIHSA, the flood risk is due to rising water levels in the affected states. NEMA has directed its formations covering the affected areas to activate existing preparedness mechanisms and maintain close coordination with relevant authorities. The agency's spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, stated that the Director General stressed the importance of early action to mitigate the potential impact on lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
Zubaida Umar instructed officials to monitor developments in vulnerable locations to ensure swift response interventions. She also appealed to state and local government authorities to activate their emergency protocols and pre-position essential relief materials. These materials include food, safe drinking water, medical supplies, and rescue equipment, which should be placed at strategic high grounds for rapid deployment.
Umar warned residents in high-risk zones to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher grounds before flood conditions become critical. She emphasized that vulnerable individuals, including children, older persons, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, must be given adequate attention during evacuation exercises.
The NEMA boss cautioned citizens against crossing flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water on foot or in vehicles. She advised them to comply with official evacuation advisories and assured the public that NEMA will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with NIHSA and State Emergency Management Agencies.
NEMA's rescue teams remain fully on standby, and the agency will work closely with relevant authorities to respond to the flood risk. The agency's alert aims to mitigate the potential impact of the flood on lives and livelihoods.
Residents in the affected states are advised to take precautions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety. The flood alert is a timely warning for residents in high-risk zones to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property.
Key points
- NEMA alerts 15 Nigerian states to high flood risk.
- Residents advised to move to safe grounds and take precautions.
- NEMA's rescue teams on standby to respond to flood risk.
