Flood-Warned: Nigerian States Urged to Relocate as Floods Cause Widespread Damage

A stern warning has been issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to residents living in flood-prone communities across 27 Nigerian states to start relocating immediately. The agency has reported that the recent floods have caused significant damage to 32,837 homes and 16,488 hectares of farmland.

According to Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA’s spokesperson, the floods have affected 227,494 individuals and damaged 32,837 houses and 16,488 hectares of farmland. The agency has mobilized search and rescue teams to distribute essential relief supplies in partnership with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAS).

NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the urgency for communities in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground as the rainy season progressed. Mr. Umar also called for increased public awareness on proper waste management to help prevent future flooding.

The agency emphasized the importance of public awareness on waste management to prevent flooding and advised at-risk communities to relocate to safer areas. NEMA’s Director-General reassured farmers that the temporary dry season would soon pass, and community leaders and stakeholders were urged to implement rapid response measures to mitigate the ongoing flood threats.

The agency is conducting assessments and deploying relief items to support affected communities. With the rainy season far from over, it is crucial that communities take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties from the devastating effects of flooding.