The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents in nine flood-prone local government areas (LGAs) of Borno State to start relocating to higher ground to save lives and property.
The agency also called on religious and traditional leaders to counsel residents on the impending flood and urged relevant authorities to immediately clear debris from water bodies to prevent blockage and the creation of detention dams.
NEMA acting zonal coordinator, North-East office, Surajo Garba, stated this while speaking with the Daily Trust in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He emphasised that communities should relocate before the flooding begins.
According to predictions and outlooks released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), nine LGAs in Borno State are expected to be severely affected by floods this year.
“NiMet’s weather prediction is almost 100% accurate. Those residing in low-lying areas should move to higher grounds for safety. This forecast should be taken seriously, and we appeal to residents in prone areas to begin relocating,” Garba said.
The nine LGAs include Maiduguri, Kaga, Mobar, Bama, Abadam, Ngala, Kala-Balge, Dikwa and Jere.
Garba added that NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), and other partners are working to safeguard lives and property and provide necessary sensitization to communities in the state.
