The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that devastating floods have affected 227,494 people and damaged 32,837 houses across 27 states in Nigeria. Additionally, 16,488 hectares of farmland with crops have been destroyed. NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of clearing blocked drainages and waterways to mitigate flood risks. These efforts include public sensitization, grassroots advocacy, and workshops on solid waste management.
NEMA has established an Emergency Operations Centre to monitor the floods and coordinate resource deployment, working closely with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and community leaders to ensure rapid response to flood incidents. The agency has also started providing relief and conducting damage assessments in flood-affected areas, deploying search and rescue teams, and placing all zonal and operation offices on high alert.
Umar urged communities at risk of flooding, particularly those near waterways, to relocate to higher ground as the rainy season intensifies. She reassured farmers that the current dry spell will end soon, citing predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The Director-General highlighted that flooding in Nigeria is a recurring problem, exacerbated by seasonal rains, poor drainage, deforestation, and climate change. To address these challenges, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, develop early warning systems, and conduct public awareness campaigns to better manage and mitigate the effects of flooding.
Discover more from Gists Naija | #1 Nigeria Music and Entertainment Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
CLICK HERE TO COMMENT
Please Leave a Reply