To enhance proactive flood risk management, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated all its zonal, territorial, and operational offices across Nigeria, according to its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, as reported by 9AM News Nigeria.
Manzo Ezekiel, Head of the Press Unit, stated that this activation aims to collaborate with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to conduct situation assessments and rescue operations.
NEMA’s offices are located in Lagos, Ibadan, Ekiti, Abuja, Minna, Jos, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Edo, Uyo, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Yola, and Gombe. The agency also operates a toll-free emergency contact line, 0800CALLNEMA (080022556362), and uses social media channels to receive public input from across the country.
NEMA has deployed search and rescue personnel in these states to coordinate rescue efforts with SEMAs and other stakeholders in recently flooded areas and villages. The agency is also conducting quick assessments to determine if additional assistance is needed in affected communities.
As part of its ongoing public awareness and sensitization campaigns, NEMA aims to inform the public about the anticipated floods and the preventive measures to mitigate adverse effects, according to Ogasabi of 9AM News Nigeria.
On Wednesday, July 3, NEMA Director General Umar visited Anambra State to advocate for flood mitigation. She engaged with state officials, religious leaders, and community leaders to discuss strategies to prevent and reduce the impact of flooding. NEMA noted that Anambra frequently experiences significant flooding and highlighted Mrs. Umar’s visits to various states and stakeholders nationwide as part of her advocacy mission.
NEMA has organized emergency coordination meetings with key stakeholders to prepare for the anticipated floods and worked with the media to broadcast flood sensitization jingles. Following the flood forecast, NEMA provided a list of at-risk local governments to all state governments, along with recommendations to prevent or mitigate the disaster.
Many governments have acknowledged that early actions, in conjunction with NEMA’s warnings and responses, have significantly impacted flood preparedness. In light of the increasing rainy season, NEMA re-emphasizes the flood warning and calls on all stakeholders, including states and local governments, to remain prepared.
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