BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted seven States of Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa on looming flood, given the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.
To this end, the agency enjoined the affected states to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential floods.
In a statement on Thursday night, NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel advised states in the central and southern regions to prepare for potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.
"The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.
"Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa," he said.
He noted that the agency has commenced clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating the soon-to-be affected residents from flood plains to safe higher grounds to mitigate the impact of flooding.
Ezekiel adviced communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He pleaded with residents to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.
The spokespersons assured that NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in its headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.
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