The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a red alert, warning states in Nigeria’s North Central and Southern regions to brace for potential flooding.
This advisory follows rising water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers, coupled with recent floods that have severely affected several communities.
The red alert was contained in a statement titled ‘Flood Alert: States in Central and Southern Nigeria to Prepare’, issued by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel.
According to the statement released on Friday, NEMA identified the most vulnerable states in the coming weeks as Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
The agency urged these states, as well as local governments and communities, to take immediate preventive steps, such as clearing blocked drainage systems, constructing temporary flood barriers, and relocating from flood-prone areas to higher ground.
NEMA emphasized the need for proactive measures to minimize loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property and infrastructure, as seen in previous flood-affected areas.
According to the statement, “The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities, and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.
“Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in the next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
“Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.
“The Agency advises communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.
“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, is available to affected communities.”
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also stressed the importance of early action and community vigilance.
She urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed the warnings, 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.”
