DG NEMA Calls For Measures To Mitigate Flooding

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, has called for urgent measures to prevent flooding in the country.

Mrs. Umar made the call at a 2-day Technical Expert meeting on 2024 Climate Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies in Abuja.

Umar who added that it was important to use reliable data to develop effective response strategies to flooding and other disasters called for more collaboration among stakeholders in sensitising Nigerians to take proactive measures against flooding.

The Director General said action must be taken now in view of the just released 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and the Annual Flood Outlook.

On his part, the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, Mr Clement Eze, promised to continue to provide necessary hydrological data to aid NEMA in its flood management activities.

On his part, the Secretary General, Nigerian Red Cross, Dr Abubakar Kende, said that flood forecasting and early warnings were among the most effective risk management strategies to minimise the negative impact of flood.

Kende, represented by the Red Cross Director, Disaster Management, Mr Benson Agbro, commended NEMA for the meeting.

The technical experts are expected to analyse the seasonal predictions and flood outlook and draw up measures to address pressing issues of climate-related disasters.

They are also expected to develop actionable blueprint, focusing on enhancing early warning systems and mapping vulnerable communities.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji