Flood: Adhere to early warnings, NEMA urges Edo residents
Following the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of above-normal rainfall and a high flood risk in Edo State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents to prepare adequately by adhering strictly to early warning communications issued by the agency and other emergency stakeholders. The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by […]
One of the communities in Lau LGA submerged by floodwaters after heavy rainfall on Thursday morning
Following the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of above-normal rainfall and a high flood risk in Edo State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents to prepare adequately by adhering strictly to early warning communications issued by the agency and other emergency stakeholders.
The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by NiMet identified Edo as one of the high-risk states likely to experience severe flooding and related climate hazards during the 2026 rainy season.
The Head of NEMA’s Benin Operations Office, Kenneth Ojudeire, gave the charge in Benin shortly after a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the agency in collaboration with the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Ojudeire said compliance with early warning information would significantly reduce casualties and damage in the event of disasters.
“Disaster management is about proactiveness and preparedness,” he said, adding that the agency brought together critical stakeholders to brainstorm on effective disaster management strategies for 2026.
He explained that the meeting reviewed the 2026 NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction and also assessed disaster management efforts in 2025, examining what worked, what failed, and how to address identified gaps and lapses.
He said the agency recorded improved collaboration with key stakeholders in 2025, as well as faster response times to emergencies. However, he noted that challenges remained, particularly in responding to disasters occurring far from the city centre.
“These are the areas we will focus on in 2026 so that we can bridge the gaps and do better,” he said. “We will strengthen community engagement, early warning dissemination, resource mobilisation and rapid response mechanisms to enhance our performance.”
Rukky Williams-Bowot, representing the State Commissioner for the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, assured of stronger collaboration between the ministry and relevant stakeholders to ensure proactive preparedness, mitigate disasters and improve emergency response across the state.