The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its zonal directorates and operations offices across 15 Nigerian states following a high-risk flood alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). This move aims to mitigate the potential impact of riverine flooding in the affected states. The alert was issued due to rising river levels, which have heightened the risk of flooding.
The 15 states on high alert for flooding are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia. NEMA's Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has directed the agency's offices in these states to activate existing preparedness mechanisms and maintain close coordination with relevant authorities and response stakeholders.
According to NEMA's Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency is taking proactive measures to respond to the flood threat. Umar has urged residents of communities located on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas, and other exposed locations to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical.
The NEMA Director General has particularly advised that adequate attention be given to vulnerable persons, including children, older persons, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, during evacuation and other precautionary measures. This is to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of the impending flood.
Umar has also called on relevant state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief and response materials at safe strategic locations on higher ground. This will facilitate rapid intervention where necessary, including the provision of food and non-food items, safe drinking water, and medical supplies.
The Director General stressed the importance of early action in reducing the potential impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. She urged communities to cooperate with emergency management authorities and comply with evacuation advisories whenever issued.
NEMA's proactive measures aim to minimize the potential impact of the impending flood on the affected communities. The agency is working closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the flood threat.
Key points
- NEMA activates emergency teams in 15 Nigerian states due to high-risk flood alert from NIHSA.
- The 15 states on high alert for flooding are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia.
- NEMA urges residents in flood-prone areas to move to safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical.
