As the rainy season gathers momentum, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has intensified public enlightenment and disaster preparedness activities across Imo and Abia States.
The intensified campaign is in response to the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The two forecasts highlight increased risks of flooding and weather-related hazards for the year.
Since January 2026, NEMA’s Owerri Operations Office, headed by Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, has coordinated with Imo and Abia State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA), local governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, faith-based groups, and the media to downscale early warning information.
The goal, according to the Agency, is to ensure that vulnerable communities receive timely alerts and are better prepared ahead of any disaster.
- Advertisement -
The intervention comes on the heels of specific disaster approvals and projections for both states.
In Imo state, over 10 LGAs were projected to be affected by flood and recently three worst hit LGA were sent relief items.
In Abia, following NEMAs assessment to conflict in Bende and Ohafia, fire outbreak in Umuahia and gully erosion in Ohafia, intervention has been carried out.
In Imo, NEMA has prioritised stakeholder engagements on the 2026 climate forecast, public sensitisation in flood-prone areas, environmental sanitation advocacy, and market-based awareness campaigns.
At a recent campaign in a major Owerri market, traders were educated on the dangers of dumping refuse in drainage channels.
NEMA warned that blocked drains not only worsen urban flooding but also create conditions for cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other sanitation-related diseases.
The Agency has also been disseminating flood early warning messages through radio, television, newspapers, social media, and community leaders.
The Agency has strengthened collaboration with Imo SEMA, National, Orientation Agency, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Fire Service, and volunteer emergency responders to ensure a coordinated response.
In Abia, NEMA officially launched the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Umuahia.
The event with theme: “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together government ministries, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, Local Emergency Management Committees, and community leaders.
The campaign focused on downscaling flood early warnings to the grassroots, educating residents on evacuation procedures, promoting community-based preparedness, and encouraging the identification of safe shelters ahead of emergencies.
NEMA also presented vulnerability maps from its Flood Early Warning System to guide planning at the LGA and community levels.
Following forecasts from NiMet and NIHSA, NEMA has activated a series of proactive measures in Imo and Abia.
The Agency has downscaled the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction to communities, held stakeholders’ meetings with government agencies and first responders, and stepped up awareness in schools, markets, churches, and at-risk communities.
It is also pushing for the clearing of drainages and waterways, and urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate early when alerts are issued.
To further strengthen preparedness, NEMA is reinforcing Local and Community Emergency Management Committees, pre-positioning personnel and relief materials for quick response, and closely monitoring weather forecasts and flood advisories.
NEMA is urging residents of Imo and Abia to remain vigilant throughout the rainy season.
The Agency advises against building on waterways, encourages responsible waste disposal, regular monitoring of official weather updates, preparation of family emergency plans, and cooperation with officials during evacuation drills.
“Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility.
“It requires active participation by government, communities, and individuals,” NEMA stated.
NEMA says it is working to strengthen resilience in Imo and Abia through sustained public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and proactive planning.
The goal, according to the Agency, is to ensure that communities are better equipped to withstand the impacts of the 2026 weather predictions.
