The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 15 Nigerian states as being at high risk of riverine flooding. According to a statement released by NEMA, the states include Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, and Abia. This forecast was provided by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
NEMA's Head, Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, stated that the Director General of the Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has activated the Agency's Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices to be on standby in response to the high flood risk alert. Mrs. Umar has directed NEMA offices in the affected states to activate existing preparedness mechanisms, maintain close coordination with relevant authorities, and monitor developments in vulnerable locations.
The NEMA Director General 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. She 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.
Mrs. Umar 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. The materials to be pre-positioned include food and non-food items, safe drinking water and water-treatment supplies, first-aid and medical supplies, as well as rescue equipment.
The NEMA 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. Additionally, she cautioned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring official flood warnings and updates from relevant government agencies. By taking proactive measures, the impact of flooding can be minimized. NEMA's warning is based on the NIHSA forecast, which indicates that these 15 states are at high risk of riverine flooding.
The agency's proactive measures aim to mitigate the potential effects of flooding. KEY_POINT: 15 Nigerian states are at high risk of riverine flooding. KEY_POINT: NEMA advises residents to take precautions and move to safe locations. KEY_POINT: Early action can reduce the impact of flooding on lives and livelihoods.
