NEMA Begins Relief Efforts For Flood-Affected States

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the initiation of relief item distribution to assist state governments in aiding those impacted by recent floods on Thursday.

According to the latest data from NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre, reported by the Nigerian Tribune, at least 27 states have been affected by the floods. The disaster has impacted 227,494 individuals, damaged 32,837 homes, and affected 16,488 hectares of farmland, including crops.

NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, stated, “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun responding to the recent floods that have devastated communities across the nation. We are conducting impact assessments in collaboration with various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to ensure timely and effective support for those in need.”

Ezekiel emphasized that NEMA’s response is part of its ongoing preparedness efforts, which include deploying search and rescue teams and maintaining alert status across all zonal and operational offices.

The agency has also started distributing relief items to bolster the efforts of state governments in providing assistance to flood-affected individuals.

In addition, NEMA is promoting public awareness and grassroots education through advocacy and workshops on solid waste management to encourage proper maintenance of drainage systems and waterways.

The NEMA Emergency Operations Centre has reported that the floods have affected 27 states, with a total of 227,494 people impacted, 32,837 homes damaged, and 16,488 hectares of farmland, including crops, ruined.

NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured the public of her commitment to coordinating and delivering necessary support for effective disaster management in the country. She advised communities at risk of flooding and those near waterways to move to higher ground as the rainy season approaches its peak.

Umar also urged all stakeholders, particularly SEMAs and community leaders, to be ready to activate flood response plans swiftly due to the rising incidents in certain areas.

In related news, the Director General of NEMA reassured farmers concerned about the current temporary dry season, noting that conditions are expected to improve as predicted in the seasonal climate forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).