NEMA warns Kwara residents to brace up for potential flooding

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is warning of imminent high and moderate flooding in some parts of Kwara state.

To this end, it is asking residents of the identified flood-prone areas to relocate to avoid casualties

The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook indicates that 31 States with 148 local government areas have been predicted to be within the high flood risk areas.

Patigi, Edu, Kaiama, Asa and Baruten local government areas of Kwara state are among the high and moderate risk areas.

The need to put the leaders of these areas on a high alert necessitated this meeting conveyed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The Director General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar says the early warning signs should not be taken lightly.

Represented by the Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, Mr Daniel Obot, the NEMA DG wants the states to take proactive measures.

The Kwara state government makes a strong case for frequent dredging of River Niger, building of more buffers and afforestation to stem the dangers of flooding in communities.

Representative of the flood-probe communities equally appeal for early relocation of people and subsequently permanent solution to the> menace.

The meeting underscores the need for effective early actions to save lives and means of livelihood during this rainy season.