NEMA Urges Relocation from Flood-Prone Areas, Calls for Preparedness Measures
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA has issued a stern warning to residents living in flood-prone communities across 33 Nigerian states to start relocating immediately. This advisory comes in the wake of predictions released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which forecast severe flooding in various parts of the country this year.
According to the agencies’ outlook, 25 states and 72 local government areas will face heightened vulnerability to flooding between April and June. The flood risk will persist from July to September, affecting all 33 states and 135 local government areas identified as high-risk zones. Furthermore, 19 states and 44 council areas will continue to grapple with flooding from October to November.
In light of these projections, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has called for urgent action to mitigate the potential impact of the anticipated floods. During the National Emergency Coordination Forum, she emphasized the need for proper sensitization campaigns in vulnerable communities, early desilting and clearing of debris in water bodies to prevent blockages, and monitoring of dam discharge and regulations.
Mrs. Umar also stressed the importance of creating detention dams and urged sub-national entities to mobilize flood-prone communities to clear waterways and channels. Critically, she advised those residing in high-risk areas to relocate from flood plains as a precautionary measure.
“We should ensure community sensitization and awareness campaigns to ensure early desilting and clearing of debris in water bodies to prevent blockages; monitoring of dam discharge and regulations, as well as creating detention dams,” Mrs. Umar stated. “There is also the need for sub-national entities to mobilize flood-prone communities to clear waterways and channels and relocate from flood plains.”
NEMA has assured that it will intensify efforts to take proactive measures to reduce the impact of the predicted flooding. In the event of an actual flood or other disasters, the agency has pledged to work closely with government partners to provide necessary support and relief to affected individuals.
The NEMA boss has urged all stakeholders, including various emergency sectors such as food security, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, nutrition, education, protection, information, emergency shelter, and non-food item distribution, to hold regular coordination meetings to ensure preparedness.
As the rainy season approaches, the call for relocation and preparedness measures from NEMA underscores the gravity of the flood threat facing numerous Nigerian communities. Prompt action and collaboration among authorities and residents will be crucial in minimizing potential loss of life and property.
Reference
Relocate people from flood-prone areas, NEMA tells 33 governors published in The Nation