The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has flagged off the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on flood disaster and related hazards for the South South region.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who flagged off the campaign in Calabar, Cross River, said the exercise was designed to drive early and coordinated action to protect lives and livelihoods during the 2026 rainy season.

She noted that the region remains one of the areas most vulnerable to flooding in Nigeria due to its coastal location, high rainfall intensity, overflowing river systems, poor drainage infrastructure and the impact of climate change.

The DG noted that the vulnerability of the region often result in recurrent flooding, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands and disruption of livelihoods.

Umar stressed the need for early action to prevent, mitigate and respond effectively to the predicted flooding across the country, particularly in flood-prone communities within the South South region.

She called on traditional institutions, religious organizations, women and youth groups, the media, the private sector and other stakeholders to support NEMA in amplifying early warning messages, stressing that disaster management is everyone’s business.

The DG further disclosed that the Agency developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to provide a structured guide for reducing flood impacts nationwide.

She identified key mitigation strategies to include capacity building for local responders, simulation and tabletop exercises, strict adherence to rainfall and flood advisories, regular clearing of drainage channels and waterways, as well as the development and testing of community evacuation plans.

Umar stated that through its Flood Early Warning System, NEMA had identified risk profiles and tailored mitigation measures for communication to at-risk communities, while vulnerability maps had been produced to guide federal, state and local governments in targeted risk reduction planning.

She added that NEMA would deploy technical teams to all states of the federation for direct community outreach, supported by State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and community volunteers.

The DG expressed optimism that the engagement would strengthen preparedness, reduce the impact of recurrent floods, safeguard livelihoods, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

As part of activities for the campaign, the DG NEMA also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, where she urged the state government to intensify proactive measures that would ensure efficient flood management in the state.

Governor Otu commended NEMA for its proactive approach toward disaster preparedness and efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to flooding in the state.

The Governor assured of the commitment of the Cross River State Government to continue collaborating with NEMA in strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. (The Nation)