NEMA calls for early flood preparation in Niger, says state at high risk

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for adequate preparation for heavy floods in Niger state. 

Hajiya Zainab Sai’du, head of NEMA, Minna operations office, said the call was necessitated by the flood outlook of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the 2023 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In a statement on Monday, Sai’du said the reports have shown that the country will suffer different degrees of flooding in 2023.

Sai’du said Niger is predicted to experience high flood risks between August, September and October.

The NEMA official advised persons living on flood plains to relocate.

“The categories are high flood risk, moderate and low flood risk. These reports also identified Niger State as among the states in the category of high risk flood states,” she said.

“NEMA Minna operations office strongly calls on these community leaders to, as a matter of urgency, lead the people of their various communities in identifying drainages/culverts that are blocked to be cleared.

“Community heads should also sensitise their people who have built on flood plain and those living along river banks to relocate to safer and higher places.”

The NEMA official said adhering to the early warnings would help to save lives and property.