NEMA ALERTS OF FLOODING IN CENTRAL, AND SOUTHERN STATES 05-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.
This follows the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.
In a statement, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar says the advice became imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.
This include loss of lives, displacement of communities and significant damage to property and infrastructures.
According to the statement, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.
It highlights some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.
The statement advises communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet and the Hydrological Services Agency.
It urges residents to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services. It further states that NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar emphasizes the importance of early action and community vigilance, stating, “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.”