NEMA Launches Flood Sensitisation Campaign in South-East High-Risk States
Mirian Gom 
ENUGU, Nigeria – Emergency authorities are ramping up flood preparedness efforts across Nigeria’s South-East, warning of heightened risks in the 2026 rainy season.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it will conduct large-scale sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone communities across Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states.
The agency’s Enugu operations office said the move follows forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency predicting above-normal rainfall and high flood risk.
Information Officer Ezeani Nnanyelugo said awareness campaigns will include radio, television and community outreach, with materials distributed in English and Igbo languages.
“We will sustain public enlightenment and engage stakeholders through meetings, training and simulation exercises,” he said.
NEMA also plans flood drills in high-risk local government areas and has begun sharing weekly early warning alerts with stakeholders.
The agency said it is working closely with international partners, including the World Food Programme and International Organization for Migration, to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.
Director-General Zubaida Umar reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and improving disaster response systems.
Authorities are also identifying safer relocation sites and assessing conditions in existing internally displaced persons camps.
Experts say early warning systems and community awareness remain critical to reducing flood-related losses, particularly in areas with recurring seasonal flooding.
Residents have been urged to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories as the rainy season approaches.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
