BY EDMOND ODOK – The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has directed all field offices covering communities along the River Niger to step up advocacy and mobilisation efforts.
Umar’s directive is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja urging high-risk floodplain residents to evacuate such areas without delay
She said the directive follows alerts of rising water levels in the upstream of the river in the Republic of Benin.
The statement said, “Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions.
“NEMA offices have been instructed to sensitise communities to remain vigilant and advise residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate to safer, higher grounds.”
Mrs Umar also pleaded with State governments to strengthen their Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in activating contingency plans and preparedness measures in anticipation of any flood emergency.
While reaffirming NEMA’s commitment to coordinated actions aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods along the River Niger, she said, “The agency is working to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding and protect communities at risk.”
Meanwhile, the Agency identified the states most vulnerable to flooding as Kebbi, Niger and Kwara, owing to their proximity to the Benin Republic and their location along the River Niger.
It advised residents in these high-risk areas to always stay up-to-date with the latest information on flood warnings and evacuation instructions.
Available reports said that governments of the affected states have be counseled by NEMA to put measures in place to immediately response in case of flooding, including evacuation routes and emergency contact numbers.
