The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported extensive agricultural and residential damage caused by recent flooding across 27 states in Nigeria, affecting 16,488 hectares of farmland and over 32,000 homes.
Approximately 227,000 individuals have been impacted by the disaster, which has severely affected communities nationwide.
In response to the widespread destruction, NEMA has begun distributing relief materials to assist affected communities, supporting the efforts of state governments.
The agency emphasized its commitment to public awareness initiatives, including grassroots advocacy on solid waste management to prevent future flooding by keeping drainages and waterways clear.
NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, reiterated the agency’s dedication to effective disaster management and urged communities in flood-prone areas, particularly those near waterways, to relocate to higher ground before the peak of the rainy season. She also called on State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and community leaders to remain vigilant and ready to activate flood response plans as needed.
Furthermore, the Director General reassured farmers facing a temporary dry spell in some states, advising them not to panic as conditions are expected to improve based on seasonal climate predictions.
