The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has taken significant steps to intensify its flood response and advocacy efforts across Nigeria. In response to the recent flooding that has affected several parts of the country, NEMA has activated its operations office and strengthened support for flood-affected areas.
According to Ezekiel, NEMA's Director-General, the agency has deployed advocacy teams to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to raise awareness and prepare communities for floods. These teams have been working closely with state agencies, including state emergency management officials, the Ministry of Health, and the Red Cross, to boost awareness and response efforts.
The agency's activities include training on emergency healthcare and evacuation procedures, as well as providing first aid boxes and teaching communities how to administer them. NEMA has also been working with communities to identify areas at risk and develop evacuation plans to ensure timely response to flood emergencies.
States at Risk: The Federal Government has identified 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high-risk zones for flooding. These states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe. These states are prone to flooding due to their geographical location and climate.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has dispelled reports that water released from Kainji and Jebba Dams caused the flooding and deaths in Mokwa, Niger State. Instead, he blamed the lack of adherence to flood warnings by the people in the state. The minister emphasized that both dams are intact and safe, and that the flooding was a natural disaster that could not have been prevented by dam operations.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Asaolu, has highlighted the importance of sensitizing communities on the risks and consequences of flooding. He noted that flooding can lead to loss of lives, damage to properties, and displacement of populations. SEMA has been working to educate communities on the importance of early evacuation and emergency preparedness.
The Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, Oba Adejumi Adu-Alagbado, has lauded NEMA and SEMA for their proactive initiative, while calling for attention to the dumping of refuse in canals, channels, and drainage prevalent in some communities in the state. He emphasized the need for community involvement in flood prevention and mitigation efforts.
NEMA's efforts have been praised for their effectiveness, and the agency is calling for support from political actors to further enhance its response efforts. The agency's collaboration with state agencies and community leaders has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting emergency preparedness in flood-prone areas.
Impact of Flooding:
- Loss of lives and property
- Displacement of populations
- Damage to infrastructure and crops
- Increased risk of waterborne diseases
- Economic losses and disruption of businesses
NEMA's Response:
- Activation of operations office to strengthen support for flood-affected areas
- Deployment of advocacy teams to 36 states and FCT
- Training on emergency healthcare and evacuation procedures
- Provision of first aid boxes and teaching communities how to administer them
- Collaboration with state agencies and community leaders to promote emergency preparedness and response.
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