Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar has urged residents of flood-prone communities across Nigeria to heed early warning alerts and relocate to safer locations as the intensity of rainfall increases across the country.
In a statement issued by Manzo Ezekiel of NEMA’s Press Unit, the Director-General said the current phase of the rainy season requires communities vulnerable to flooding to activate preventive measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
Mrs. Umar stressed that residents should pay close attention to flood forecasts and early warning information issued by relevant government agencies, noting that prompt evacuation from high-risk areas remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable loss of lives and minimise the devastating impact of flooding.
She also advised members of the public to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways, warning that floodwaters can be deceptive and highly dangerous. She further cautioned against dumping refuse into drainage channels, describing the practice as a major contributor to urban flooding.
The NEMA boss urged residents to promptly report flood-related emergencies to the appropriate authorities to facilitate timely rescue operations and emergency response.
According to her, NEMA has directed all its Zonal Directors and Heads of Operations Offices nationwide to intensify community-based awareness campaigns on flood preparedness and response.
She said the Agency is also strengthening collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), traditional institutions and other relevant stakeholders to enhance preparedness, coordinate search and rescue operations where necessary, and improve response to flood emergencies.
Mrs. Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to continuous monitoring of the flood situation across the country, assuring Nigerians that the Agency will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to provide timely emergency response and humanitarian assistance to communities affected by flooding.
She urged Nigerians, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant, comply with official safety advisories and prioritise early evacuation whenever flood threats arise, emphasising that preparedness remains the nation’s strongest defence against flood disasters.
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