The National Emergency Management Agency has activated its Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices following a high flood-risk alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
The alert covers 15 states, including Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
The NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, directed the agency’s offices covering the affected states to activate existing preparedness mechanisms, monitor developments in vulnerable locations and maintain close coordination with relevant authorities and response stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Press Unit, Umar urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas and other exposed locations to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical.
She also directed that adequate attention be given to vulnerable persons, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, during evacuation and other precautionary measures.
Umar called on state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief and response materials at safe strategic locations on higher ground.
She said such materials should include food and non-food items, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, first-aid and medical supplies, as well as rescue equipment.
The NEMA boss stressed that early action was critical to reducing the potential impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
She also cautioned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles, and urged communities to continue monitoring official flood warnings and comply with evacuation advisories whenever issued.
NEMA said it would continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with NIHSA, State Emergency Management Agencies and other relevant stakeholders, while its response teams remain on standby to provide necessary support where required.
