The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a flood alert, warning states in Nigeria’s central and southern regions to prepare for potential hazards in downstream communities. The affected states include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, made this known in a statement released by the agency’s Head of Press, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja on Thursday. The alert follows recent flooding incidents in several states, coupled with rising water levels in both the Benue and Niger rivers.
“This advisory is crucial for activating state, local government authorities, and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding,” Mrs. Umar stated. “It is vital to avoid the scale of losses already recorded in affected areas, where lives have been lost, communities displaced, and significant damage to property and infrastructure has occurred.”
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She highlighted key preventive measures that should be taken, including clearing blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and relocating residents from flood-prone areas to higher, safer grounds.
Mrs. Umar also advised communities to stay informed by regularly checking weather updates and flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“Residents should avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from high-risk zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she added.
NEMA will coordinate closely with state emergency management agencies and other stakeholders to ensure affected communities receive necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, through the National Emergency Operations Centre based at the agency’s headquarters.
Mrs. Umar stressed the importance of early action and community vigilance, urging residents in vulnerable areas to heed the agency’s warnings and take preventive measures. “Preparedness is key to reducing the impact of flooding,” she concluded.
