By Chinyere Nwoye
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned states identified as being at high risk of flooding to intensify preparedness and take early action to protect lives and property.
The warning was contained in a flood advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which placed Imo, Cross River and 13 other states under high flood risk for the period September 19 to 25.
The flood warning has been received by the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside other relevant emergency management stakeholders in the state.
According to the advisory, there is a high possibility of rising river levels and riverine flooding, particularly in communities located along riverbanks, floodplains, low-lying areas and other flood-prone locations.
In an internal memo dated September 21, NEMA’s Search and Rescue Department directed its Heads of Operations to immediately disseminate the warning to affected State Governments, SEMAs, Local Government Authorities and other critical stakeholders within their areas of responsibility.
NEMA advised at-risk communities to translate the warning into immediate early action by taking precautionary measures and, where necessary, moving to identified safe higher grounds before conditions deteriorate.
The agency also called for particular attention to vulnerable persons and households that may require assistance during evacuation, while urging state and local government authorities to strengthen community sensitisation, preparedness and evacuation arrangements.
NEMA further directed that essential relief and emergency response resources be pre-positioned at safe strategic locations to facilitate rapid intervention in the event of flooding.
The agency urged stakeholders to closely monitor developments and promptly report any flooding, displacement or emerging emergency response needs through the appropriate operational channels.
NEMA described the directive as urgent for immediate compliance, underscoring the importance of early preparedness and timely action as the flood-risk period continues.
Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
