The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has raised alarm over the threat of severe flooding in more than 30 states across the country this year, calling on state governments to immediately intensify preparedness measures to avert disasters during the rainy season.
Umar gave the warning in Yola, Adamawa State, during the inauguration of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
According to her, NEMA’s forecasts and risk assessments show that several states remain highly vulnerable to flooding, warning that delayed response, environmental abuse, and poor drainage management could worsen the situation.
“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 urged state governments to immediately implement preventive measures such as desilting drainages, removing structures blocking waterways, strengthening emergency response institutions, and sustaining public awareness campaigns in flood-prone communities.
The NEMA boss disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to coordinate nationwide flood prevention and emergency response efforts.
She added that through its Flood Early Warning System, the agency had identified vulnerable communities and produced flood vulnerability maps to guide interventions and preparedness activities across the country.
Umar also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, the media, and private sector organisations to support sensitisation efforts and amplify early warning messages in communities at risk.
“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.
She lamented that despite yearly early warning alerts issued by relevant agencies, flooding continues to wreak havoc in many communities, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.
Responding, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri commended NEMA for its proactive approach to disaster preparedness and sustained awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the impact of flooding nationwide.
Fintiri assured that the Adamawa State Government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to protect lives and property, particularly in communities identified as flood-prone during the rainy season.
