The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that severe flooding has affected 227,494 people across 27 states in Nigeria. The disaster has led to the destruction of 32,837 houses and submerged 16,488 hectares of farmland, severely impacting the affected communities.
NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, reassured farmers experiencing temporary dry conditions in some states that the situation would improve soon, according to seasonal climate predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Umar highlighted that NEMA has taken proactive measures, including deploying search and rescue teams and placing all zonal and operational offices on high alert. The agency has also started distributing relief materials to support state governments in providing aid to those affected by the floods.
In addition to immediate response efforts, NEMA has emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns, focusing on solid waste management and clearing blocked waterways to reduce flood risks. Umar urged communities at high risk of flooding, particularly those near waterways, to relocate to safer areas as the rainy season progresses.
NEMA’s continued commitment to effective disaster management was reiterated, with a call for collaboration from state emergency agencies and local leaders to ensure timely activation of flood preparedness plans.
