Flood: NEMA tasks Benue on early warning, evacuation, emergency response

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged the Benue State Government to enhance flood preparedness and streamline coordination between emergency response teams as heavy rainfall continues to affect the state. NEMA's Director-General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted this during a comprehensive flood response training exercise in Makurdi, where officials evaluated their readiness to tackle potential flood crises.

Speaking alongside NEMA's Director of Search and Rescue, Usman Bature, Umar emphasized Benue's vulnerability due to its geographical layout, which features extensive river systems, floodplains, and communities situated alongside the River Benue and its tributaries. She underscored the significance of sustained early warning systems, effective coordination, and swift resident evacuation from at-risk areas, adhering to the 2026 flood forecast.

Umar explained that the simulation aims to scrutinize the entire process, from issuing early warnings to mobilizing community action, local coordination, state-level response, and, when required, federal assistance. According to her, the initial response should commence at the community level, with further assistance from local, state, and federal entities as the disaster escalates.

This drill took place roughly a month after the Federal Ministry of Environment issued a flood alert for multiple Benue communities between August 15 and 28. The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre identified Agatu, Buruku, Guma, Igumale, Logo, and Makurdi as high-risk flood zones, while numerous other communities were designated as high-risk areas.

The center recommended that residents in vulnerable locations remain vigilant about flood alerts, confirm evacuation routes, safeguard essential belongings, and refrain from engaging in activities within floodplains, riverbanks, and other flood-prone areas.