The National Emergency Management Agency has placed its Zonal and Operations offices on red alert over impending riverine flooding in 15 states.
The move follows a high-risk flood advisory by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, which flagged rising water levels in major rivers.
The states at risk are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who gave the directive, said all offices in the affected areas must activate full preparedness, step up surveillance of vulnerable communities and work closely with State Emergency Management Agencies and other responders.
In a statement signed by Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, Mrs Umar advised people living along floodplains, riverbanks and low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground now, before the flood becomes critical.
She stressed that evacuation plans must prioritize children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
Mrs Umar also directed state and local governments to prepare ahead by stockpiling relief items such as food, clean water, water treatment chemicals, medical supplies and rescue equipment in safe locations.
She urged Nigerians to avoid wading or driving through flooded roads and rivers, and to obey all evacuation orders from emergency officials.
According to her, early action remains key to reducing deaths, loss of livelihoods and damage to infrastructure.
NEMA assured that it is closely monitoring the situation with NIHSA and other partners and its teams are on standby for rapid deployment where needed.
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