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The National Emergency Management Agency has identified 15 states, including Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue and Anambra, as being at high risk of riverine flooding.
The other affected states are Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
According to a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of NEMA’s Press Unit, the warning was based on a forecast issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
Ezekiel said NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, had directed the agency’s zonal directorates and operations offices to remain on standby following the alert over the heightened flood risk.
He said Umar also directed NEMA offices covering the affected states to immediately activate existing preparedness measures, coordinate with relevant authorities and response agencies, monitor vulnerable locations and remain ready to support necessary interventions.
Umar urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas and other exposed locations to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical.
Credit: Reuters
She also urged communities to pay particular attention to vulnerable people, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, during evacuations and other precautionary measures.
Umar called on state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness plans and pre-position essential relief and response materials at safe locations on higher ground.
She said the supplies should include food and non-food items, safe drinking water and water-treatment materials, first-aid and medical supplies, as well as rescue equipment.
The NEMA director-general stressed that early action was crucial to reducing the potential impact of flooding on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
She urged communities to cooperate with emergency management authorities and comply with evacuation advisories whenever they are issued.
Umar also cautioned residents against crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, either on foot or in vehicles.
She advised communities to continue monitoring official flood warnings and updates from relevant government agencies.
