NEMA Assesses Flood Risk Preparedness Strategies for 2025

NEMA hosted a stakeholders’ forum to evaluate flood risk management strategies based on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction. Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of collaboration in disaster response. The forum reviewed past efforts to identify gaps and enhance future strategies while partnering with UNICEF for hazard risk analysis.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently convened a stakeholders’ forum to evaluate the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This meeting focused on assessing flood risks and developing early mitigation strategies. NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the necessity of multi-sectoral collaboration in response and recovery efforts, pointing out the challenges faced last year in managing disasters effectively.

During the forum, Umar explained that it aimed to evaluate the preparedness and response efforts conducted in 2024 across various governmental levels. She remarked that understanding the events of the past year would help identify successes and gaps in their emergency plans, thereby enhancing future responses. The insights gathered would aid in refining strategies for climate disaster preparedness in 2025.

Furthermore, NEMA’s Director General noted the agency’s collaboration with UNICEF in conducting a hazard risk analysis for Nigeria. The resultant findings will be shared with stakeholders to bolster disaster preparedness measures. Discussions also focused on the utilization of SCP data to enhance emergency response planning and ensure proactive measures against climate-induced disasters.

Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, highlighted the participation of stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture, health, and water resources, during the discussions. He stated that it was essential to adopt collective strategies for the effective management of climate-related disasters. Representatives from State Emergency Management Agencies, Federal Ministries, and universities also participated, reiterating their commitment to the forum’s goals.

The stakeholders’ forum convened by NEMA seeks to address flood preparedness for 2025 based on insights from the previous year’s challenges. Emphasizing multi-sectoral collaboration, the forum aims to inform strategies for effective disaster management. The partnership with UNICEF for hazard risk analysis further empowers agencies with data-driven insights. Overall, this initiative highlights the importance of collaborative preparedness in mitigating the impact of climate-induced disasters.

Original Source: internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com