NEMA Clarifies Flood Alert Predictions

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has clarified its position on the alert it previously issued about possible flooding in parts of the country as stated in October 7 Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting.

The clarification followed a lead story published by LEADERSHIP Sunday edition, titled: “NEMA Issued Flood Alert Without Complete Data”, on Sunday.

The interventionist agency maintained that the information available to it as at the day of the meeting was sufficient enough to alert Nigerians of possible flooding in some states.

The NEMA statement signed by its head of press unit, Ezekiel Manzo, stated: “Attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has been drawn to a publication by LEADERSHIP Sunday, 15th October 2023 captioned “NEMA Issued Flood Alert Without Complete Data” which to the best knowledge of the agency do not represent the true situation.

“The Emergency Coordination Forum (EFC), which was held on the 7th October, 2023 at the instance of director general, National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Ahmed was to intimate critical stakeholders on the present situation of flooding following the sudden release of water from Lagdo dam in the Republic of Cameroun.

“He briefed the meeting that the release of water had affected some Local Government Areas in Adamawa, particularly Fofure council area where farmlands and houses were affected in the following wards: Wurobokki ward (7 communities), Pariya ward (6 communities) Ribadu ward (12 communities) Fofure ward (2 communities), Beti ward (7 communities) Gurin ward (9 communities), Farang ward (1 community) leading to the establishment of camps in Limawa Primary school, Gadabawa, Godan gona and Borrongi in Yola North and Adamu Namtari Primary School in Yola South.”

The statement also added that, “During the ECF, the director general Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), was represented by his special assistant, Engr. John Gbadegisin, who gave some rundown of flood reading.

“At the Yola end of the Benue River, the level of reading was 6.96meters as against 6.5 meteres in 2022.

“At Makurdi, the level of water was 9.71 meteres as against 11.40 in 2022, while in Lokoja, it was 9.05 meters as against 13.05 in 2022.

“These reading however do not rule out the possibility of flooding along the banks of River Benue.

“For the River Niger axis, the meeting was informed that while Jebba Dam was spilling water gradually, Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam (along River Kaduna) were still impounding water.

“Sequel to this narration, the DG NEMA appealed to the states government and communities along the banks of these major rivers from Adamawa to Kogi (River Benue) and Kebbi to Kogi and Bayelsa (River Niger) to continue to monitor situation with the intent of immediately activating response strategy.

“It should be noted that the ECCF meeting had participation of relevant strategic stakeholders including the executive secretaries/heads of SEMAs of Benue, Kogi and Delta.
At the same meeting, the DG NEMA thanked stakeholders for their continue collaboration for efficient flood response and actions.

“He also urged states government and stakeholders especially the Nigerian Red Cross Society to always support in providing lifejackets to boat passengers along water ways to reduce cases of deaths from boat mishaps.
He ended by reiterating the need for constant vigilance, prompt sharing of information and taking action when there is an immediate threat of flooding.

“From the foregoing, the general public is kindly advised to contact NEMA headquarters or its zonal. Territorial operation offices located across the country to ascertain and clarify information to avoid being misled.”