NEMA urges heat and water precautions in El Niño advisory

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised Nigerians to reduce exposure to extreme heat, conserve water and prepare households for possible disruption linked to El Niño.

In its official preparedness message, NEMA urged households to follow weather warnings and prepare for emergencies. Detailed advice reported on Tuesday warned of possible heat, drought, floods and food shortages.

NEMA advised people to limit outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm, drink clean water regularly and use shade, hats and light clothing. It asked residents to check on children, older people and others vulnerable to heat.

Households should repair leaks and store water in clean, covered containers, the agency said. It also recommended keeping emergency food supplies and supporting home gardening and local farming.

For farmers, the advice included drought-resistant crops and improved farming practices. Communities were encouraged to share warnings and take part in local preparedness efforts.

El Niño involves warmer-than-normal surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and can affect weather elsewhere, although local impacts vary.

NEMA asked residents to follow its updates and those of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), heed official warnings and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

Sources: NEMA preparedness message; Punch; Channels Television