From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has pledged to strengthen collaborative efforts and interventions to mitigate potential flooding in Rivers State and 34 other states across Nigeria.
NEMA highlighted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted flooding in 35 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 249 local government areas in 2024.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made this commitment on Wednesday in Port Harcourt during a sensitisation programme themed “Downscaling Flood Early Warning Strategies to the Grassroots in Rivers State.”
Represented by the Director of Disaster Risk Management, Daniel Obot, Mrs Umar noted that NiMet had identified 13 flood-prone local government areas in Rivers State. These areas, categorised by high and moderate flood risk, include Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Degema, Emohua, Oyigbo, Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni, Bonny, Port Harcourt, and Okrika.
The agency called for widespread community involvement in flood mitigation efforts and reaffirmed its support in providing supplies, safeguarding communities, and ensuring minimal disruption to socio-economic activities during potential disasters.
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“NiMet and the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) have predicted that some local government areas in Rivers State will experience high and moderate flooding. That’s why we are here today,” Obot explained.
“We are here to educate residents of Rivers State on the necessary actions to take and the importance of community compliance with early warning alerts.”
He expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of various agencies, security organisations, the government, and individuals in brainstorming risk reduction strategies.
“We have learned from past experiences, identified gaps, and our strategies for 2024 will focus on addressing those gaps,” he stated. “We have intensified our early warning systems, strategy development, and collaboration among stakeholders, encouraging state governments to leverage this cooperation.”
Mr Tamunosiki Ogbanga, Director of Emergency/Disaster Management at the Rivers State Ministry of Special Duties, advised residents to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of life during the rainy season. He urged them to clear drains and waterways to prevent blockages.
Mr Adebiyi Rasak, NEMA’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, commended the agency’s proactive approach to flood management.
“Towards the end of the year, there will be a peak period when flooding will impact these communities,” Rasak explained. “We are ensuring essential supplies and the likelihood of food stockpiles in these areas.”
“We are raising awareness and ensuring that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) activates emergency operations centres in collaboration with NEMA and other stakeholders.”
He urged affected communities to enhance their preparedness by prioritising sanitation, clearing drainage systems, and properly disposing of and managing plastic waste.