NEMA urges flood-prone residents to relocate as rains intensify nationwide

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent appeal to residents living in flood-prone communities across Nigeria to relocate to safer grounds as the country experiences an intensification of the rainy season. NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect lives and property.

Umar advised the public to heed early warning alerts and activate community-level flood mitigation strategies. She cautioned against the dangers of driving or walking through floodwaters and urged citizens to refrain from obstructing drainage channels by dumping refuse. Prompt reporting of emergency situations to authorities was also highlighted as crucial for timely response.

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The current period of heightened rainfall calls for the activation of community-level flood mitigation measures to minimise the impact of flooding.

"Preparedness and early evacuation remain the most effective ways of preventing avoidable loss of lives and reducing the impact of floods during the peak of the rainy season," Umar stated. NEMA has directed its zonal directors and heads of operations offices to intensify community-based awareness campaigns nationwide. They are also tasked with strengthening collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies, local committees, and traditional institutions to coordinate search and rescue operations.

This advisory comes on the heels of a warning from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA). NiHSA forecasts a medium flood risk for 14 states between July 14 and July 20. The states identified as particularly vulnerable include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau. Residents in these areas are strongly urged to take precautionary measures.

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Preparedness and early evacuation remain the most effective ways of preventing avoidable loss of lives and reducing the impact of floods during the peak of the rainy season.