• Flood Alert
• NEMA
• Seven States

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ISSUES RED ALERT FOR 7 STATES, 25 COMMUNITIES OVER IMMINENT FLOODING

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  CapitalTimesNews / 5 months
• 0
• 2 min read

The Federal Government has issued a red alert warning residents in seven states and 25 communities across Nigeria of imminent flooding due to heavy rainfall expected between August 23 and 24 and the rising water level of the River Niger. The warning was signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department. “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” Bokani stated. The affected states and communities include: *Benue State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Abinsi, Agyo, Gbajimba, Gogo, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ukpiam *Borno State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Briyel, Dikwa, MaiduKamba *Gombe State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Bajoga, Dogon Ruwa, Gombe, Nafada *Kebbi State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Gwandu, Jega, Kamba *Nasarawa State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Agima, Keana, Keffi, Odogbo, Rukubi *Niger State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Lapai *Yobe State*: – *Communities at Risk*: Gashua, Gasma, Potiskum The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) echoed the federal government’s concerns, urging residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations. “All zonal offices have been directed to intensify sensitization and preparedness efforts. Residents in high-risk flood plains must move immediately to higher ground to avert disaster,” a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Press Unit, NEMA read. NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, urged state governments to empower their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans and deploy resources to cushion the potential impact. “She further urged the State Governments of the identified high-risk areas to support their Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in activating contingency plans and preparedness measures to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding,” the statement added. Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to coordinate a robust response in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and property along the River Niger corridor.