***Boost Flood Preparedness Ahead Of Heavy Rains
In a proactive move to bolster disaster preparedness, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has announced plans to establish a fully functional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate responses to emergencies across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Muktar Atima, disclosed this during an appearance on TalkTime, a flagship current affairs programme on LugardTV. He said the EOC would become operational in the coming days and would include representatives from key ministries such as Health, Water Resources, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Education, and Information.
“This Centre will serve as the nerve hub for emergency coordination, enabling seamless collaboration across sectors,” Atima said.
Addressing the state’s readiness for projected heavy rainfall and potential flooding, Atima confirmed that all designated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been prepared to receive potential victims, especially in communities located along the flood-prone banks of Rivers Niger and Benue.
“Over 258 vulnerable communities have been mapped out, and we are actively engaging traditional rulers, youth groups, religious leaders, and grassroots actors to raise awareness on evacuation and safety protocols,” he stated.
He noted that public sensitization efforts have intensified, especially in riverine communities, with an emphasis on early warnings and relocation strategies to mitigate disaster impact.
Drawing from last year’s flooding experience, Atima revealed that 18 out of 42 IDP camps were activated during the 2024 emergency, with strong government support under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ensuring that food, potable water, security, medical services, and hygiene kits were provided at each site.
“While we cannot prevent disasters entirely, we can greatly reduce their impact through timely education, community involvement, and coordinated response,” he emphasized.
Atima also disclosed that fresh flood assessments had begun in new flash flood zones, including Kabba and Ijumu Local Government Areas, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He called for urgent infrastructure intervention, advocating the construction of a dam in the Shintaku area to manage water overflow and reduce pressure from upstream rivers.
The SEMA boss urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation advisories and cooperate with officials.
“We need collective effort. Keep your drainages clean, move away from high-risk areas when asked, and support our teams on the ground,” he appealed.
He also confirmed that the agency is working closely with the Ministry of Environment and other MDAs to strengthen the institutional framework for emergency response across the state.