NEMA Places Operations Offices on Alert as 15 States Face High Flood Risk

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has placed its Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices across the country on standby following a high flood risk alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The alert indicates a high risk of riverine flooding in 15 states, namely  Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia, as a result of rising river levels.

Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the Agency’s offices covering the affected states to immediately activate existing preparedness mechanisms, strengthen coordination with relevant authorities and response stakeholders, and closely monitor developments in vulnerable communities.

She also directed the offices to remain prepared to support emergency response operations where necessary.

Umar urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas and other flood-prone locations to take the warning seriously and relocate to identified safe and higher ground before conditions deteriorate.

She called for special attention to vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, during evacuation and other precautionary measures.

The NEMA boss also urged state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief and response materials at safe locations on higher ground.

According to her, the materials should include food and non-food items, safe drinking water and water-treatment supplies, first-aid and medical materials, as well as rescue equipment.

Umar stressed that early action remained critical to reducing the impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

She urged communities to cooperate with emergency management authorities and comply with evacuation advisories whenever they are issued.

She further cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles, advising the public to rely on official flood warnings and updates from relevant government agencies.

The NEMA DG  said she  would continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with NIHSA, State Emergency Management Agencies and other stakeholders, while its response teams remain on standby to provide support where required.