Following NiMet prediction of above-normal rainfall and high flood risk in Edo State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has charged residents of the State to prepare for flood by adhering to the early warning communication by the agency and other emergency stakeholders.
Recall that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet),identified Edo State as one of the high-risk states likely to experience severe flooding and related climate hazards during the 2026 rainy season.
NEMA Head Benin Operation Office, Konema Ojudeire, gave the charge in Benin, shortly after a stakeholders engagement the agency organized in collaboration with the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
He said adhering to early warning information would help to mitigate causalities in the event of disasters.
“Disaster management is about proactive and preparedness” he said, adding “we brought critical stakeholder together to brainstorm for effective management disaster in the State in 2026”
He said the meeting was to considered the 2026 NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and also reviewed 2025 disaster management in retrospect, looking at what worked and failed and what can done to bridge the gaps and lapses identified
According to him, the agency in 2025, improved on its collaboration with critical stakeholders and quick response to disasters.
“However, there are areas of shortcoming especially when disaster occured far away from the city centre. That is the areas we will focus on in 2026 so that we can bridge and do better” he said
“We would strengthening our community engagement, early warning dissemination, resource mobilization, quick response, and other things that can make us do better in 2026.
Rukky illiams-Bowot, representative of the State Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, assured of stronger collaboration between the ministry and critical stakeholders in disaster management towards ensuring more proactive preparedness aimed at curbing disasters and responding to emergencies
