National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has implemented flood early warning strategies at the grassroots level in Ebonyi State, addressing the 2024 flood predictions by NIMET and NIHSA. Director Human Resources NEMA Headquarters Dr. Ejike Martins, who represented NEMA’s Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of stakeholders collaboration to mitigate flood impacts, recalling past floods in 2012 and 2022. She noted that 31 states with 148 LGAs are high flood risk areas, 35 states including FCT with 249 LGAs are moderate risk, and 377 LGAs are low risk across the country.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, opened the event, urging communities to heed flood warnings and avoid blocking waterways. Dr. Thickman Tanimu made a presentation on disaster preparedness and risk reduction, highlighting flood risk LGAs and mitigation strategies. Ebonyi SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Clement Ovuoba, acknowledged that LGAs like Ikwo, Izzi, Abakaliki, and Afikpo are at high and moderate risk, and the sensitization exercise will reach all predicted LGAs.
The event, held at Re-Meritona Hotels & Suites in Abakaliki, included various officials, traditional leaders, and emergency management representatives, featuring interactive sessions for participants.
