A flood warning has been issued for seven states in Nigeria due to rising water levels in the Rivers Benue and Niger, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Friday, September 6.
The states likely to be affected in the next few weeks are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, NEMA said in a statement.
The agency warned that the rising water levels could lead to flooding, which has already devastated many communities in several states, resulting in loss of lives, displacement, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.
To mitigate the risk of flooding, NEMA advised the affected states, local government authorities, and communities to take necessary actions, including immediate clearing of blocked drainages, construction of temporary flood barriers, and evacuation to safe higher grounds.
NEMA also urged communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The agency said it is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, are available to affected communities.
NEMA’s warning comes after recent floods have had a devastating impact on several states, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent further losses.
