NEMA Issues Urgent Evacuation Warning for Kebbi, Kwara, Niger States Over River Niger Flooding
Meta Description: NEMA has issued an urgent evacuation warning for residents in flood-prone areas of Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states due to rising water levels in the River Niger. Find out who is at risk and what actions to take now.
ABUJA, FCT – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent and critical warning to thousands of Nigerians living in communities along the River Niger in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, urging them to immediately evacuate to safer, higher ground due to an impending flood risk.
The alert, announced on Sunday, was triggered by alarming reports of rapidly rising water levels in the upstream sections of the river, originating from the neighboring Republic of Benin.
In a statement, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, confirmed that the agency has fully activated its national flood preparedness and response protocols in anticipation of the potential impact on Nigerian communities. The warning underscores the immediate danger posed to lives, property, and livelihoods in the vulnerable states.
The Source of the Threat: A Transboundary Alert
The primary cause for this high-level alert is the swelling of the River Niger from sources outside Nigeria’s borders. Heavy rainfall and increased water flow in the Republic of Benin are causing a surge of water to move downstream, directly threatening Nigerian states that lie along the river’s path.
This transboundary nature of the threat makes the flooding highly probable, prompting NEMA to shift from advisory warnings to a direct call for evacuation.
“Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions,” the statement from the NEMA DG read.
A Coordinated Emergency Response is Underway
In response to the imminent threat, NEMA has initiated a multi-level emergency action plan. DG Zubaida Umar has directed the agency’s regional and zonal offices covering the River Niger corridor to immediately intensify their public awareness campaigns.
The focus is on direct mobilization and sensitization in the most vulnerable communities, ensuring that every resident understands the severity of the situation and the necessity of moving to safer locations. NEMA is working to ensure that the message reaches even the most remote villages along the riverbanks.
Furthermore, Umar has called on the state governments of Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger to provide robust support to their respective State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs). These state and local bodies are responsible for executing on-the-ground contingency plans, which include identifying safe evacuation routes, setting up temporary shelters, and preparing for potential rescue operations.
“It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods,” she emphasized.
Who is Most at Risk?
While the warning covers the three states, NEMA is particularly concerned about specific populations:
Riverbank Communities: Villages and towns located directly on the banks of the River Niger and its tributaries are at the highest risk of being completely submerged.
Residents of Floodplains: Low-lying areas and plains historically known for seasonal flooding are expected to be severely impacted.
Farmers and Fishermen: Agricultural lands along the river are likely to be washed away, destroying crops and disrupting the livelihoods of farming and fishing communities.
Residents with Limited Mobility: The elderly, children, and persons with disabilities are especially vulnerable and require community support to evacuate safely.
Crucial Safety Measures for At-Risk Residents
NEMA advises all residents in the identified flood-prone areas to take the following steps immediately:
Heed Evacuation Orders: Do not wait. Relocate to higher ground or designated safe shelters as advised by emergency officials.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Pack essential items such as clean drinking water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, important documents (in a waterproof bag), a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
Turn Off Utilities: Before leaving your home, turn off the main electricity and gas supplies to prevent fire or electrocution.
Stay Informed: Listen to local radio, television, and official social media channels for the latest updates and instructions from NEMA and SEMA.
Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk, swim, or drive through moving floodwaters. It can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears and may contain hidden dangers.
This alert serves as a stark reminder of the increasing climate risks facing Nigeria. NEMA has reiterated its commitment to a proactive and comprehensive national flood response strategy, but the safety of individuals and families now depends on their swift and decisive action in heeding this urgent evacuation call.
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