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By Oscar Okhifo
More than 30 states across the country are at risk of severe flooding this year, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has warned, urging immediate preventive action by state governments.
Umar made the appeal in Yola, Adamawa State, while inaugurating the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards, a nationwide initiative designed to reduce the impact of flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
She said NEMA’s forecasts and risk assessments indicate that several states remain highly vulnerable during the rainy season, warning that delays in response and poor environmental practices could worsen the situation.
The NEMA director-general urged state governments to immediately activate preventive measures, including the desilting of drainages, removal of structures obstructing waterways, strengthening of emergency response agencies, and sustained public awareness campaigns in flood-prone communities.
“We must act now and not wait until communities are submerged before taking action. Prevention and preparedness remain the most effective tools in disaster management,” Umar said.
She disclosed that the agency has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to coordinate flood prevention and emergency response efforts nationwide.
Umar added that through its Flood Early Warning System, NEMA has identified flood-prone communities and produced vulnerability maps to guide interventions and preparedness activities across the country.
She also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, the media, and private sector organisations to support public sensitisation efforts and amplify early warning messages in vulnerable areas.
She stressed that although early warnings and alerts are issued yearly, flooding continues to cause severe destruction in many communities.
“Flood disaster management is a collective responsibility. Communities must pay attention to early warning alerts and cooperate with relevant authorities to reduce risks,” she added.
Responding, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri commended NEMA for its proactive approach to disaster preparedness and its sustained early warning campaigns aimed at reducing the impact of flooding nationwide.
He assured that the Adamawa State Government would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to protect lives and property, especially in communities identified as flood-prone during the rainy season.