The governments of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have rolled out emergency response strategies and evacuation plans to minimize the impact of predicted flooding in vulnerable communities.
The measures follow warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which forecast flooding in parts of the three North-East states.
Speaking separately with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, emergency management officials outlined steps being taken to protect lives and property ahead of the peak rainy season.
In Borno, the Director of Administration at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Yagana Ali-Abadam, said the government had constituted a flood preparedness committee comprising key stakeholders, including NiMet, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS).
She said the initiative forms part of the state’s disaster risk reduction strategy aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal flooding.
Ali-Abadam disclosed that residents of flood-prone communities in Dikwa had already been relocated to safer shelters, while relief materials, including food items, were being distributed to victims of previous floods in Kala Balge, where annual flooding is worsened by water releases from neighbouring Cameroon.
She added that authorities had intensified drainage clearance across Maiduguri to improve water flow and prevent blocked waterways.
According to her, flood-prone areas such as Ajilari Cross, Kopa and Bulumkutu-Dala have received targeted interventions, including expanded drainage systems and improved infrastructure.
“Ajilari Cross, Kopa and Bulumkutu-Dala remain some of the most vulnerable areas during the rainy season. We are expanding drainage systems and clearing blocked waterways to reduce the impact of flooding,” she said.
Ali-Abadam also said the agency had sustained public awareness campaigns through media engagements and community outreach programs.
In Yobe, the Director of Search and Rescue Operations at the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Ibrahim Jalo, said the agency had deployed real-time river monitoring systems and digital community reporting platforms across flood-prone areas.
He said safe evacuation centers had been identified in high-risk communities, while emergency response efforts had been strengthened through collaboration with security agencies, government ministries, humanitarian organizations and groups representing persons with disabilities.
Jalo added that Local Government Early Warning and Action Committees had been trained and activated to boost grassroots disaster response.
According to him, the state government has approved relief materials for 50,000 households, food supplies for 10,000 households and 7,400 sandbags for embankment projects in vulnerable communities.
Emergency response materials have also been strategically positioned in Damaturu, Potiskum and Geidam to ensure swift deployment during emergencies.
He identified Gujba, Damaturu, Bursari, Geidam, Yunusari, Fika, Potiskum, Jakusko, Bade, Gulani, Karasuwa and Machina as the state’s 12 high-risk flood areas.
Jalo urged residents to heed flood warnings and cooperate with emergency officials if evacuation becomes necessary.
In Adamawa, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr Celine Laori, said the government had activated Flood Response Committees in all 21 local government areas.
She added that authorities were desilting major drainage channels in Yola North, Yola South and Jimeta to improve water flow.
Laori identified Fufore, Yola South, Girei, Yola North, Demsa, Numan and Lamurde as communities facing high flood risks, noting that safe shelters had already been designated in each area.
She said the agency was partnering with radio stations to air flood awareness jingles in Hausa, Fulfulde and other local languages, while town hall meetings were ongoing to educate residents on preventive measures.
“We are telling people to avoid building on waterways, clear their drainages and relocate early when they receive warnings. Early warning is key to saving lives,” she said.
Laori added that ADSEMA had procured emergency relief supplies, including food items, tents, mattresses and essential medicines, to support flood victims if the need arises.
