In line with the 2025 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Owerri Operations Office, has intensified efforts to bolster flood preparedness and strengthen disaster response capacity across the South-East region.
On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, the agency conducted a comprehensive training programme for key stakeholders, community responders, and emergency professionals. The initiative is part of NEMA’s proactive strategy to minimize the impact of predicted flooding through knowledge transfer, capacity-building, and hands-on training in disaster risk reduction.
The training session, which drew participation from local emergency responders, community-based organizations, and representatives of relevant state agencies, focused on key themes including flood preparedness, early warning dissemination, and the practical use of lifesaving equipment.
In his address during the training, the Head of NEMA Owerri Operations Office, Mr. Igwe Nnamdi Chukwudi, emphasized the critical role of community-level awareness in preventing avoidable losses during emergencies. He highlighted the recurring issue of urban flooding, often caused by poor waste management practices and blocked drainage systems, and stressed the importance of behavioral change among residents.
“Floods are predictable and preventable if the right measures are taken early. Proper waste disposal, avoiding construction on natural waterways, and adherence to safety advisories are simple but powerful steps communities can adopt to protect themselves,” Mr. Chukwudi stated.
Participants were trained on **Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR)** strategies, with an emphasis on developing local action plans, identifying safe evacuation routes, and responding promptly to early warning messages. The session also included a segment on integrating traditional knowledge and local leadership in emergency planning.
A major highlight of the training was a **practical demonstration on Search and Rescue (SAR) equipment handling**, led by Principal Search and Rescue Officer (PSARO), Mr. Iweala Sunday. Participants were exposed to various extrication tools used in flood emergencies and trained on how to use them efficiently during real-time search and rescue operations.
The hands-on session reinforced theoretical lessons and gave participants the confidence and technical know-how to operate rescue tools during disaster response efforts.
Mr. Chukwudi further urged participants to serve as ambassadors of disaster preparedness within their communities and institutions. He noted that community-based interventions remain a cornerstone of NEMA’s national preparedness agenda, especially as the agency prioritizes decentralizing response capacities in high-risk areas.
The Owerri Operations Office of NEMA oversees Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States—regions identified as susceptible to flooding in the 2025 NiMET and NIHSA forecasts. With rising concerns over climate-induced disasters, NEMA continues to scale up engagements across these states, promoting risk education and encouraging inter-agency coordination.
Thursday’s training marked another step forward in building a culture of readiness and resilience across Nigeria’s southeastern corridor. As the rainy season intensifies, the agency reiterated its call for vigilance, environmental responsibility, and adherence to flood alerts issued by authorities.
NEMA’s continued investment in training and preparedness underlines its commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding infrastructure, and reducing the humanitarian consequences of natural disasters.
July 31, 2025
