NEMA issues flood warning for Abia, Imo communities

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued flood alerts for people living in flood-prone communities in Imo and Abia states.

The body advised residents to move to safer places.

This followed a prediction by the Nigeria Hydrological Services (NIHSA) and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) of potential flooding that may ravage several communities in the South East.

Head of Imo-Abia Operations Office of NEMA, Mr Evans Ugoh, issued the warning when he visited flood-prone communities in Imo and Abia for sensitisation rallies.

NIMET had predicted that there would be torrential rains in 28 states from September to December.

Ugoh, who led NEMA officials and other disaster stakeholders to the communities, warned against building houses on waterways.

He hinted that houses already built on waterways in the two states might be demolished.

The NEMA chief listed the local government areas that may be affected by flooding in the two states as Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North, Ukwa West, Ideato South, Owerri West, Owerri North, Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta.

He also advised Imo and Abia residents to ensure monthly sanitation and regular clearing of drains to contain flooding.

Ugoh said: “The Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mohammed Mohammed, approved the sensitisation programme aimed at sending a warning signal to prone communities.”