Flood Alert: NEMA Intensifies Nationwide Campaign as Death Toll Rises in Niger State

In response to the devastating floods that recently struck Mokwa in Niger State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated a flood alert campaign across 15 high-risk states. The agency aims to warn and educate residents in flood-prone regions about the dangers of ignoring official advisories and the urgent need for relocation from vulnerable areas.

According to Manzo Ezekiel, Head of the Press Unit at NEMA, officials have been deployed to states including Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory, among others. These deployments are part of a broader strategy to ramp up public awareness as the rainy season intensifies across Nigeria.

Ezekiel explained that the latest flood disaster in Mokwa occurred despite advance warnings from meteorological agencies. Tragically, many victims lived in deep gullies and flood channels, which are highly susceptible to sudden water surges. “Although Mokwa was identified as a flood-risk area, the scale of destruction was beyond prediction,” he said.

Over 200 Dead in Mokwa: A Tragic Wake-Up Call

The May 23 flood in Mokwa, a key commercial town in Niger State, has so far claimed over 200 lives, with hundreds more reported missing. The community, home to thousands of residents, was completely overwhelmed by the floodwaters.

Niger State, Nigeria’s largest by landmass, is especially vulnerable to flooding due to its proximity to three major dams—Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro. A fourth dam is currently under construction. These dams are essential to Nigeria’s electricity supply but also contribute to the area’s flood risk during periods of heavy rain and water release.

In April, dam-induced floods had already destroyed over 5,000 farms across 30 communities, including Mokwa. This marked the sixth flood incident in the state this year alone, highlighting the urgent need for a consistent flood alert system and stronger mitigation efforts.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued a forecast warning of heavy storms across Abuja and 14 other states, with Niger prominently on the list. The rainy season in Nigeria typically spans April to October, making this period particularly hazardous.

In 2022, floods killed over 600 people, displaced 1.4 million, and destroyed 440,000 hectares of farmland. These figures could rise if current patterns persist and citizens ignore flood alerts.

Despite Mokwa not being designated a “high-risk” area in recent forecasts, NEMA emphasizes that no region should feel exempt. “Because Mokwa LGA was not listed as high-risk doesn’t mean communities should relax,” Ezekiel stressed. “Every locality must be on constant flood alert and take preventive measures.”

He further explained that many affected residents were taken by surprise. “They didn’t see it coming. But once a gully can no longer contain the runoff from heavy rains, entire communities can be swept away, and that’s exactly what happened in Mokwa,” he said.

Ezekiel pointed to similar unexpected flooding in Maiduguri in 2024, where the Alau Dam broke without prior warning. “This is why awareness, preparation, and prompt action are key,” he warned.

In a swift response to the Mokwa tragedy, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, visited the site within 24 hours of the incident. This action was intended to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and to provide immediate support.

“We mobilized our Search and Rescue teams immediately. The DG’s visit was part of a broader strategy to assess the damage, coordinate relief, and boost awareness in surrounding areas,” Ezekiel noted.

He added that NEMA has now scaled up its anti-flooding advocacy across the country, focusing particularly on rural communities where residents may not fully understand the gravity of the flood warnings issued by authorities.

Call to Action: Stay Informed and Relocate if Necessary

NEMA is urging all Nigerians, particularly those living near rivers, gullies, and other low-lying areas, to remain vigilant and heed all flood alerts issued by government agencies. Relocating from high-risk zones, even temporarily, can make the difference between life and death.

Ezekiel concluded with a sobering reminder: “We have so many areas at risk. Every community must take steps to avoid what happened in Mokwa. The time to act is now.”

Source- PUNCH