The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised seven states in the country to be prepared for floods that would soon affect communities in their territories.

The states are Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Imo, Kogi, and Rivers.

The NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, gave the warning in a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel.

She said the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

Umar said: “The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.

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“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.”

She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The NEMA chief advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she added.

Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations were available to affected communities.

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