NEMA: Kogi, Anambra, Benue, 13 other states risk high flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 16 states in Nigeria are facing a high risk of riverine flooding. The flood advisory was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and covers Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.

NEMA's Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated the agency's zonal directorates and operations offices to be on standby. She instructed offices in the affected states to activate preparedness mechanisms, maintain coordination with authorities and response stakeholders, monitor vulnerable locations, and be ready to support necessary interventions.

Mrs Umar urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground and take the warning seriously. She emphasized the importance of considering vulnerable individuals during evacuation and precautionary measures. State and local government authorities were directed to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief materials.

Mrs Umar stressed the significance of early action in minimizing the impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. She cautioned against crossing flooded roads or water bodies and advised continuous monitoring of official flood warnings.