The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its Zonal Directorates and Operations Offices across the country after the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned of a high risk of flooding in 15 states.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, ordered all operational offices covering the affected states to immediately step up emergency preparedness and remain on standby for possible response operations.
The states listed in the flood advisory are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
According to the advisory issued by NIHSA, rising river levels could trigger severe riverine flooding in the affected states.
Following the alert, Umar directed NEMA’s zonal offices to activate existing emergency response plans, work closely with state authorities and other response agencies, monitor vulnerable communities and prepare to provide immediate intervention where necessary.
She also urged residents living along riverbanks, floodplains, low-lying communities and other flood-prone areas to heed the warning by relocating to safer and higher ground before the situation worsens.
The NEMA boss stressed that special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including children, elderly persons, pregnant women and persons living with disabilities during any evacuation exercise.
She further appealed to state and local government authorities to activate their emergency response mechanisms and position relief materials at strategic locations to enable swift intervention if flooding occurs.
According to her, the pre-positioned items should include food supplies, non-food relief materials, safe drinking water, water purification materials, first-aid and medical supplies, as well as rescue equipment.
Umar emphasised that taking early preventive measures remains the most effective way to minimise the impact of flooding on lives, property and critical infrastructure.
She also warned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, either on foot or in vehicles, and advised the public to continue monitoring official flood updates and safety advisories from government agencies.
NEMA assured Nigerians that it would continue to monitor the flood situation in collaboration with NIHSA, State Emergency Management Agencies and other relevant stakeholders, while its emergency response teams remain on standby to provide assistance whenever required.