NEMA Activates Emergency Teams as NIHSA Warns of High Flood Risk in 15 States
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices to remain on standby following a high flood risk alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) for 15 states.
The advisory warned of a high risk of riverine flooding due to rising river levels in Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia states.
Following the alert, NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the Agency’s offices covering the affected states to immediately activate their existing preparedness mechanisms and maintain close coordination with state authorities and other emergency response stakeholders.
She also directed the offices to closely monitor developments in vulnerable communities and remain prepared to provide necessary response interventions where required.
Umar urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas and other vulnerable locations to take the warning seriously and relocate to designated safe and higher ground before flood conditions worsen.
She further 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 Director General also urged state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief and response materials at strategic locations on higher ground.
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 to facilitate rapid intervention during emergencies.
Umar stressed that early action remains critical to reducing the potential impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
She advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles, and urged communities to continue monitoring official flood warnings and follow evacuation advisories issued by relevant authorities.
NEMA said it 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 necessary.
NEMA Activates Emergency Teams as NIHSA Warns of High Flood Risk in 15 States