By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency has announced plans to begin a large-scale sensitisation campaign in parts of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu State ahead of predicted flooding in 2026.
The agency said the move follows forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which warned of heavy rainfall and high flood risks in the affected states.
According to NEMA, the campaign will involve public awareness through radio, television and online platforms, alongside the distribution of educational materials in English and the Igbo language to vulnerable communities.
The agency also plans to conduct simulation exercises, drills and stakeholder engagements in flood-prone local government areas to improve preparedness and response capacity.
Officials said early warning alerts have already begun to be shared regularly with relevant stakeholders, while local authorities will receive direct communication on risk mitigation measures.
NEMA added that it is working closely with state emergency agencies, community leaders and international partners, including the World Food Programme and the International Organization for Migration, to strengthen response systems and support vulnerable populations.
The agency noted that preparations would also include identifying safer locations for possible displacement and assessing the condition of existing camps, as part of efforts to reduce the impact of potential flooding.
