RISING RIVER LEVELS IN 15 STATES: NEMA ACTIVATES OPERATIONS OFFICES, DIRECTS ITS LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ACTIVATE PREPAREDNESS MECHANISM

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices across affected parts of Nigeria following a high flood-risk alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The warning covers 15 states: Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia, where rising river levels could increase the risk of riverine flooding.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the agency’s offices in the affected areas to immediately activate their emergency preparedness measures. The offices are expected to closely monitor vulnerable communities, coordinate with state and local authorities and other emergency-response stakeholders, and remain ready to provide assistance if flooding occurs.

Residents living around riverbanks, floodplains, low-lying communities and other flood-prone locations have been urged to take the warning seriously and relocate to safer, higher ground before conditions become dangerous.

The agency also emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, during evacuation and other emergency measures.

NEMA further called on state and local governments to strengthen their preparedness by pre-positioning relief and rescue materials in safe locations, including food, non-food items, drinking water, water-treatment supplies, medical and first-aid materials, and rescue equipment.

The agency stressed that early preparation and timely evacuation can significantly reduce the loss of lives, damage to property and disruption of critical infrastructure during flooding.

Residents have also been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles. Communities are encouraged to continue monitoring official flood alerts and follow evacuation instructions from emergency management authorities.

In summary: NEMA is urging affected states and communities to act before flooding becomes critical, with emphasis on early warning, preparedness, evacuation and protection of vulnerable residents.