The National Emergency Management Agency has advised communities at risk of flooding, particularly those living near waterways, to move to safer, higher ground ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
In response to the release of alarming data from its Emergency Operations Centre, indicating severe flooding in 27 states, NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar reiterated the agency’s commitment to coordinating and providing essential support for effective disaster management in the nation.
In a press release on NEMA’s X account titled “Update on Flood Across the Country,” it was noted that NEMA has swiftly mobilized efforts to assess the damage.
The agency is also working in conjunction with State Emergency Management Agencies to coordinate relief operations.
This underscores NEMA’s proactive approach and preparedness in dealing with the nationwide crisis.
The timely response by NEMA to the flood incidents is in furtherance of the early preparations made by the agency in the deployment of search and rescue teams and the placement of all NEMA zonal and operation offices on alert.
“The agency has also commenced the deployment of relief items to complement efforts by the various state governments to provide succour to persons affected by the floods.”
NEMA, in its statement, noted that it would keep raising awareness nationwide about solid waste management to encourage clearing blocked drainages.
“Furthermore, NEMA shall continue with public sensitisation as well as grassroots awareness through advocacies and workshops on solid waste management to raise public consciousness on the clearance of blocked drainages and waterways.
“So far, based on statistics from the NEMA Emergency Operations Centre established for the flood monitoring and coordination of resource deployment, 27 states have been impacted, with a total of 227, 494 persons affected and 32,837 houses damaged, as well as 16,488 hectares of farmlands with crops also damaged,” it highlighted.
The NEMA boss Advises SEMAs and community leaders to be prepared for rapid flood response and reassures farmers not to panic about the temporary dry spell, as it will end soon according to NiMet’s predictions.
“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, especially SEMAs and community leaders, to be ready to activate, at short notice, plans and preparations for floods with the increasing incidents in some parts of the country.
“In a related development, the Director General of NEMA has advised farmers not to panic over the temporary dry season being experienced in some states, noting that the situation will soon be over as contained in the seasonal climate predictions released earlier in the year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency ,” it summarized.
NAIJATRAFFIC reports that Nigeria faces a recurring and severe flooding crisis, worsened by seasonal rainfall, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and deforestation.
The nation undergoes significant flooding during the rainy season, especially in low-lying areas, regions adjacent to rivers, and coastal zones.
Urbanization and poor waste management frequently result in clogged drainages, aggravating the impact of floods.
In recent years, climate change has intensified these challenges, leading to a rise in the frequency and severity of flooding events.
The repercussions are widespread, impacting millions of people through displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and disruptions to agriculture and livelihoods.
Initiatives to manage and mitigate flooding encompass enhanced infrastructure, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns.
