The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has issued a flood alert for seven states – Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa – due to rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.
The agency is urging these states to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential floods.
In a statement released on Thursday night, NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, advised states in the central and southern regions to prepare for potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.
“The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.
“Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.”
On the expected actions to mitigate the impact, the agency stated: “Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds”.
It also adviced communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.
“NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.
