…Agency urges residents to adopt preventive measures as 176 LGAs across 33 states face high flood risk in 2025_
The Southeast Head/Head of Enugu Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, has called for proactive flood preparedness in response to the alarming forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which indicated that 176 Local Government Areas across 33 states were at high risk of flooding this year.
The public awareness campaign, held at the Nkanu West Local Government Headquarters, Tuesday, August 27, was centered on the theme “Flood Preparedness and Basic First Aid Treatment.”
Speaking at the campaign, she mentioned that, according to recent statistics, Enugu State fell within the moderate flood risk areas, alongside 293 LGAs across 31 states, including Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, and Enugu East LGAs in Enugu State.
Mrs. Echeazu cautioned the people of Nkanu West against unsafe practices that could trigger floods and endanger lives and property during the predicted flood period.
She urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as clearing blocked canals and drainages to minimize disaster risks.
She also advised the public to follow proper channels when seeking NEMA’s assistance during emergencies:
“Our office operates at all three tiers of government. If you feel threatened, first write to your Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), then to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and finally to the federal NEMA office,” she stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of NEMA for the awareness initiative and assured the agency of his government’s support.
He noted that the Enugu State Government, under His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah, and by extension, the Nkanu West local government, had already commenced preventive measures by ensuring that waste was cleared from waterways and streets.
He further added that the local government had provided waste bins at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the Chairman, Prince Barr. Onochie Igwesi, the Secretary of Nkanu West LGA, commended the NEMA team for the visit and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.
Others in attendance included the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West, Engr. Friday Nnam; Chief of Staff to the Local Government, Barr. Chidiebere B.C. Ani; Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Nnamani Emmanuel Onyekachi; traditional rulers; Presidents-General; councilors; women leaders; and other community participants, stakeholders, and members of the general public.