The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has completed assessments of flood impacts in Anambra and Bayelsa States as part of its annual flood preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives. Conducted in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the International Organisation for Migration, the evaluations aimed to gauge the severity of recent floods and facilitate coordinated relief efforts.
In Anambra State, rising water levels from the River Niger recently submerged homes in flood-prone communities, displacing residents from over 600 houses. NEMA’s assessment targeted eight particularly affected Local Government Areas, including Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Awka North, Ihiala, Idemili South, and Ekwusigo. The agency reviewed the extent of damage to households, farmland, and infrastructure, and recorded fatalities and missing persons. Chief Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, expressed appreciation for NEMA’s timely response.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State has experienced widespread flooding intensified by relentless rainfall, impacting 54 communities across seven LGAs: Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Ekeremor, Yenagoa, and Brass. Flooding in communities such as Asamabiri, Kaiama, Amasoma, Toron Ndoro, and Igbogene has severely disrupted daily life. Bayelsa SEMA, represented by Director Dr. Dio Wenapere, partnered with NEMA to assess the damage and identify immediate relief needs.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasized the importance of harmonized data collection to accurately assess the disaster’s scale and to ensure an efficient, unified response. She reassured the public of NEMA’s ongoing commitment to effective disaster management and promised continued collaboration with SEMAs and other stakeholders to provide essential support for affected communities.
