The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has initiated a nationwide activation of the agency’s emergency centres to enhance flood risk management.
NEMA has instructed all its Zonal, Territorial, and Operation offices to collaborate with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) for rescue operations and flood assessment.
NEMA’s offices, located in Lagos, Ibadan, Ekiti, Abuja, Minna, Jos, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Edo, Uyo, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Yola, and Gombe, have been mobilized to work closely with SEMAs.
This initiative aims to provide prompt response and effective coordination during flood incidents.
NEMA has also provided a toll-free emergency contact number: 0800CALLNEMA (080022556362), along with its social media platforms, to facilitate feedback and requests for assistance from the public.
In response to recent flooding, NEMA has deployed search and rescue officers across the states.
These officers are collaborating with SEMAs and other stakeholders to conduct rescue operations and support affected communities.
The agency is also carrying out rapid assessments to identify further assistance needed in the impacted areas.
NEMA has been actively raising awareness about the predicted floods. This includes ongoing sensitization campaigns to alert the public and promote necessary precautionary actions.
On July 3rd, Director General Umar visited Anambra State to discuss flood prevention measures with the Deputy Governor, religious leaders, and community representatives.
This visit is part of a broader advocacy mission that has seen her engage with various states and stakeholders nationwide.
As part of its pre-rainy season flood prevention efforts, NEMA has engaged the media to broadcast flood sensitization messages and organized an emergency coordination forum with key stakeholders.
These efforts aim to prepare communities and local authorities for the predicted flood risks.
Following flood predictions, NEMA issued written advisories to state governments, detailing the at-risk local governments and recommended actions to mitigate flood impacts.
States that acted on these advisories have reported positive outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of early intervention and coordinated response.
NEMA emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness as the rainy season intensifies.
The agency urges all stakeholders, including state and local governments, to remain alert and take proactive measures to safeguard communities against flooding.
