NEMA Warns Kwara LGAs of High Flood Risk Amid Rainfall

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning regarding high flood risks for five local government areas in Kwara State, including Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, Moro, and Patigi, following heavy rainfall. Zubaida Umar, the director general of NEMA, spoke in Ilorin on Tuesday, highlighting the agency's efforts to strengthen disaster risk governance and resilience in Nigeria.

The agency is collaborating with Sahel Consult on a campaign aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness. NEMA's forecast indicates that 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are at high flood risk, while 14 states face moderate risk.

Umar called for stakeholder support to amplify early warning messages to prevent flood disasters. Jide Aina, the general manager of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, noted the reality of climate change and urged stakeholders to build resilience at the grassroots level.

The heavy downpour in Lagos on Tuesday caused significant flooding, affecting major areas without reported casualties.