NEMA advises Benue, Kogi, other states to prepare for flood

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a red alert, warning states in Nigeria’s North Central and Southern regions to prepare for potential flooding.

This follows rising water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers, alongside recent floods that have heavily impacted several communities.

The red alert was detailed in a statement titled “Flood Alert: States in Central and Southern Nigeria to Prepare,” released by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, on Friday. The agency identified Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa as the most vulnerable states in the coming weeks.

NEMA urged state governments, local authorities, and communities in these areas to take immediate actions, such as clearing blocked drainage systems, constructing temporary flood barriers, and relocating from flood-prone zones to higher ground. The agency emphasized the importance of these proactive measures to prevent the loss of life, displacement, and damage to property and infrastructure, as witnessed in past flooding incidents.

“The advisory is crucial to prompt state and local government authorities, as well as communities, to act now to reduce the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far, including fatalities, displacement of residents, and significant damage to property and infrastructure,” the statement read.

It further stressed, “The states highly prone to this hazard in the coming weeks include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.”

NEMA advised these communities to stay updated on weather conditions and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents were urged to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

The agency is coordinating with state emergency management bodies and other stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre at its headquarters to provide necessary support, including rescue and relief operations for affected communities.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also underscored the need for early action and vigilance at the community level. She urged residents in high-risk areas to heed the warnings, stating, “We call on all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to take our warnings seriously and act immediately to protect lives and property. Preparedness is key to minimizing the impact of flooding.”