States likely to be flooded this year- NEMA
NEMA has urged immediate action to lessen the effects of the impending flood, highlighting the possibility that it will be worse than last year’s flooding.
NEMA reports that the nation-wide floods of last year caused 665 fatalities and 3,181 injuries. A staggering 4,476,867 people were impacted, 2,437,411 were forced to leave their homes, and 944,989 farmlands were destroyed. Additionally, 355,986 houses were completely or partially destroyed by the floods.
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The report is meant to help responsible organisations take preparedness and mitigation measures to protect lives, livelihoods, properties, and the environment against hydrometeorological hazards in Nigeria during the 2023 rainy season and beyond, according to Mustapha Ahmed, the agency’s spokesperson, who spoke during the presentation.
The Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers States are at a high risk of flooding this year, according to a warning from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The agency has attributed this to the rise in sea level and tidal surge, which may have a detrimental effect on these states’ agriculture, human settlements, and transportation.
He added that letters warning of the impending flood had already been sent to the 36 State governments and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory.
In order to prevent loss of life and property, the agency has urged locals in the affected areas to take the necessary precautions and work with the appropriate authorities.
According to the forecast for this year, there is a significant chance of coastal flooding because of the anticipated rise in sea level and tidal surge, which could have a detrimental effect on transportation, human settlements, and agriculture in the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
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Due to inadequate drainage systems and a lack of adherence to environmental and town planning regulations, flash floods and urban flooding are also expected in a number of cities and towns.
“The forecasts have revealed a lot about what to anticipate before this rainy season. The truth is that this year might see as many floods as last year, if not more.
The agency provided the following information regarding actions taken to lessen the effects of the flood: “Since the release of the forecasts, NEMA has continued to engage relevant stakeholders to explore ways to mitigate against the risk of the predicted floods and other related hazards throughout the 2023 rainy season.
“At NEMA, we think that early warning and early action go hand in hand. As a result, we have sent letters with this document attached to all 36 State Governments and the FCT Administration, specifically mentioning the LGAs at risk and outlining the expected actions from the relevant authorities.
For easier public access, we have also created flood risk maps for at-risk areas and uploaded them to our official website and social media platforms.
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