NEMA urges Benue to strengthen flood preparedness

The National Emergency Management Agency has asked Benue State to strengthen flood preparedness as heavy rainfall continues to raise disaster risks in the state.

NEMA gave the advice during a full-scale flood-response simulation in Makurdi, where emergency officials tested how agencies would handle evacuation, early warning alerts and rescue coordination if flooding worsens.

The agency’s director-general, Zubaida Umar, was represented at the exercise by the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kennedy Mataluwo. The reports said he urged the state to keep improving coordination among emergency responders, local authorities and communities at risk.

The exercise brought together officials and stakeholders involved in disaster response. It focused on readiness, evacuation planning and the use of early warning information before flood incidents become harder to manage.

Benue has faced repeated flood warnings in recent years because of heavy rainfall and vulnerable riverine communities. NEMA said stronger planning would help reduce loss of life and damage to homes, farms and public infrastructure.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post