National Emergency Management Agency Deploys Emergency Response Team to Kogi State Amid Widespread Flooding
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed its emergency response team to Kogi State in response to widespread flooding affecting several communities.
This initiative aims to proactively monitor the flood situation across the country, as outlined in a statement released by the agency.
The specialized team consists of personnel trained in search and rescue operations, who will assist the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders in conducting rescue and evacuation efforts and assessing the damage in the impacted areas.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the NEMA’s Director-General, announced that the agency has also dispatched mobile water purification equipment to provide clean drinking water to families affected by the floods.
Recently, NEMA had warned states identified as being at risk of flooding, urging them to prepare in advance for potential incidents. In conjunction with this alert, the agency activated its zonal, territorial, and operations offices, positioning critical equipment for timely responses, including search and rescue operations and evacuations.
Communities in Kogi State have been severely impacted, with over 200 submerged and nearly two million people displaced due to the flooding. The affected local government areas include Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji. As of October 14, 2024, NEMA reported that 1,659 individuals have been affected, 517 displaced, and 1,601 houses damaged in the state alone. Nationwide, flooding in 2024 has impacted 33 states across 208 local government areas.
NEMA is coordinating efforts with the Military Disaster Response Units, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy their personnel where needed. The agency has also instructed the Nigerian Red Cross Society to activate its volunteers. Mrs. Umar has advised residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those along the Rivers Benue and Niger, to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency services as the situation continues to be closely monitored.
