Flood: NEMA puts seven states on red alert

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called states in the central and southern regions of the country brace up for imminent floods that would soon affect communities downstream.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, listed the states to be Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

According to her, the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

She said the advice became imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding, adding that it is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

Umar listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said.