By Salifu Faridat
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged communities in the South-East region to actively participate in measures aimed at preventing and mitigating flooding.
Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA in the South-East, addressed journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, outlining the agency’s initiatives to combat flood disasters this year.
As part of their preparedness efforts, NEMA took into account the Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, which identified states at risk of flooding this year.
Echeazu emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach to flood and disaster management, focusing on community-based actions to strengthen resilience and mitigate the impact of flooding and other disasters.
Through various meetings and awareness campaigns, NEMA has been actively engaged in educating communities and enhancing their capacity to handle flood-related challenges.
Among the key efforts undertaken by the agency are the prompt clearing of blocked waterways, removal of structures or buildings situated on floodplains, and the expansion of narrow water channels.
By encouraging community participation and collaboration, NEMA aims to create a more robust and responsive approach to dealing with potential flooding situations in the South-East region.