NEMA Calls for Urgent Action as Flood Affects 27 States

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to communities at risk of flooding, particularly those near waterways, urging them to relocate to safer, elevated areas as the peak of the rainy season approaches.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that this advisory follows alarming data from NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre, revealing that severe flooding has affected 27 states.

NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the agency’s commitment to coordinating disaster management efforts across the nation.

In a press release shared on NEMA’s X account on Thursday, the agency announced it has rapidly mobilized resources to assess the damage.

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The release, titled “Update on Flood Across the Country,” highlighted NEMA’s collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to coordinate relief efforts, demonstrating the agency’s proactive approach to addressing the ongoing national crisis.

The release stated: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has responded to the recent flood incidents that have devastated some communities across the country and has begun assessing the impacts with various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to provide timely and appropriate support to those affected.

“NEMA’s prompt response to the flood incidents is a continuation of the agency’s early preparations, which included deploying search and rescue teams and putting all NEMA zonal and operational offices on alert.

“The agency has also started deploying relief items to support the efforts of state governments in providing aid to those affected by the floods.”

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NEMA further pledged to continue raising awareness about solid waste management to help clear blocked drainages.

“Additionally, NEMA will persist in public sensitization and grassroots awareness through advocacy and workshops on solid waste management to increase public consciousness regarding the clearance of blocked drainages and waterways.

“So far, according to statistics from NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre, established for flood monitoring and resource coordination, 27 states have been affected, with 227,494 people impacted, 32,837 houses damaged, and 16,488 hectares of farmlands with crops also damaged,” the statement added.

The NEMA head called on SEMAs and community leaders to prepare for a swift response to flooding and reassured farmers to stay calm during the current brief dry period, as forecasts from NiMet suggest it will soon end.

“Umar reiterates that communities at risk of flooding and those living along waterways should relocate to safer, higher grounds ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

“Furthermore, she urges all stakeholders, particularly SEMAs and community leaders, to be ready to activate flood response plans at short notice, given the increasing incidents in some parts of the country.”

In a related development, the Director General of NEMA advised farmers to remain calm during the temporary dry season affecting certain states, emphasizing that this condition is expected to end soon, according to seasonal climate forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

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