The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has called on 33 State Governors to relocate their citizens to upland areas.
The agency made the call following observation that the lowlands in 33 States of the country will be affected by this year’s flooding.
As a way to mitigating the effects of the impending flood, NEMA called for the monitoring of dams, desilting and clearing of debris in water bodies. The agency warned that this is important to reduce the effects of the flooding. It, therefore, called on the authorities to prevent blockages and the creation of detention dams.
NEMA predicted that this year’s weather outlook released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), stated that 33 States will be pounded by flood this year.
Recall that NiMet and NIHSA had listed 25 of the 33 States and 72 Local Government Areas with heightened vulnerability to flooding. This, the agencies maintained will occur between the months of April and July.
“The vulnerability,” according to them, “will persist from July to September. And that it will affect all the 33 States and 135 Local Government Areas identified as high-risk areas.
“Between October and November, 19 States and 44 Council Areas will be affected by flood.
To curb the likely impact of the flood, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, called on the government to be proactive. He, therefore, called for proper sensitization campaign in communities that would be affected.
Umar stated this during the National Emergency Coordination Forum.
She said: “We should ensure community sensitization and awareness campaign to ensure early desilting and clearing of debris in water bodies to prevent blockages. Monitoring of dam discharge and regulations, as well as creating detention dams.
“There is also the need for sub-national entities to mobilize flood-prone communities. To clear waterways and channels and relocate from flood plains.”
Umar also assured that NEMA will continue to intensify efforts to take proactive measures to reduce the impact of the predicted flooding.
She stated that in the event of the occurrence of flood or other disasters, the agency will work with other government partners to provide necessary succour to affected persons.
Umar, however, called on all stakeholders to live up to their responsibilities to prevent loss of lives and property.