Flood: NEMA Sets Up National Emergency Operation Centre
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, on Friday inaugurated the Agency’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to enhance efficient response to floods and related disasters.
The Syndicate reports that the setting up of the centre came after a devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State that killed more than 700 people and washed away thousands of homes.
At least 15 million Nigerians are at high risk of flooding and the federal government warned flooding is expected to hit 30 of its 36 states, putting more than 1,200 communities at high risk.
The NEMA director-general said that the inauguration of the NEOC is a proactive and strategic effort to mitigate the impact of further flooding in 2025.
“The National Emergency Operation Centre is a multi-stakeholder platform for real-time monitoring of flood situations, data tracking, information dissemination, and coordination of resource mobilization and deployment in response to flood across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.
Zubaida explained that the centre would also facilitate seamless coordination with states and other relevant stakeholders, and play critical role in ensuring accurate flood data management and resource deployment nationwide.
The Director General, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, urged the NEOC personnel to demonstrate diligence and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She specifically tasked them with the development and continuous updating of flood information dashboard to support informed decision-making.
