The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off its 2025 flood preparedness and mitigation campaign in Taraba State, raising the alarm over the heightened risk of flooding across the country. The launch, held in Jalingo in partnership with the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TASEMA), signals a proactive move to curb the devastating effects of seasonal floods ahead of the rainy season.
Themed “Strengthening Community Resilience for Flood Risk Reduction in Nigeria,” the campaign emphasizes grassroots engagement, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems to help residents of vulnerable communities respond more effectively to environmental emergencies.
Speaking during the official launch, NEMA Director General Hajiya Zubaida Umar stressed the urgency of establishing robust early warning systems that can alert at-risk communities in real time. She revealed that NEMA is working closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which have already issued forecasts indicating above-average rainfall and the likelihood of severe flooding in some regions.
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According to Umar, NEMA’s strategy for 2025 includes intensive training for local first responders, simulated emergency drills, and the promotion of practical resilience-building techniques such as rainwater harvesting, climate-smart agriculture, and adaptive irrigation methods. She urged local authorities, traditional leaders, and residents to take flood alerts seriously and participate actively in disaster preparedness efforts.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Echuse Audu, Executive Secretary of TASEMA, described the preparedness meeting as a critical step toward averting disaster. She acknowledged the logistical difficulties that often hamper quick disaster responses but expressed confidence that Governor Agbu Kefas’s administration is committed to investing in emergency infrastructure and funding.
Dr. Audu appealed to residents in low-lying and riverine areas to begin relocation plans where necessary to avoid loss of lives and property. She assured that TASEMA would partner with community leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups to intensify awareness campaigns and educate the public on safety measures.