In a proactive move to manage flood risks, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated all its Zonal, Territorial, and Operational offices across the country. The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, announced that these offices will collaborate with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to conduct rescue operations and assess the flood situation.

According to a statement released by NEMA on Sunday, the agency’s offices are located in Lagos, Ibadan, Ekiti, Abuja, Minna, Jos, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Edo, Uyo, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Yola, and Gombe. Additionally, NEMA operates a toll-free emergency contact line, 0800CALLNEMA (080022556362), and maintains active social media platforms for public feedback.

NEMA has deployed search and rescue officers to flood-affected areas, providing critical support in coordination with SEMAs and other stakeholders. The agency is also conducting rapid assessments to determine any additional assistance required in impacted communities.

“These rescue efforts are part of NEMA’s ongoing sensitization and awareness activities, aimed at alerting the public about the predicted floods and necessary preventive actions,” the statement read.

On July 3rd, Umar visited Anambra State to discuss flood prevention measures with the Deputy Governor, religious, and community leaders. This visit is part of her ongoing flood advocacy mission, which includes engagements with various states and stakeholders nationwide.

“As part of our pre-rainy season flood prevention advocacy, NEMA has placed flood sensitization jingles in the media and held emergency coordination forums with critical stakeholders to prepare for the predicted disaster,” the statement continued.

NEMA has also provided state governments with a list of local governments at risk, along with recommended actions to mitigate the disaster. States that heeded NEMA’s advisory have reported positive outcomes, aligning their early actions with NEMA’s warnings and responses.

NEMA reemphasized the flood warning, urging all stakeholders, including state and local governments, to prepare for the intensifying rainy season.