Tuesday, June 18, 2013

NEMA Warns Southern Nigeria of Impending Heavy Rainfall


The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents of the southern parts of the country to prepare for heavy and potentially-dangerous rainfall.

It would be recalled that last year, similar severe weather caused unprecedented flooding in the southern half of the country, resulting in villages being washed away and many people losing their homes.

 NEMA said it was issuing the latest early warning based on alerts received from the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development based in Niamey, Niger Republic.  The center issued the warning on Monday evening to countries in the Central, East and West African sub-regions.

In Nigeria, Lagos and its environs are expected to experience heavy torrential rainfall and the advisory means that all residents must take precautions, and
NEMA passionately implored all Nigerians living in the south to take the warning seriously.

Parents and teachers were especially enjoined to keep watchful eyes on their wards while motorists were warned to avoid driving in the rain, but not to stay inside the vehicle if they decided to park.  NEMA also warned parents to avoid sending their wards on errands during the rains, and to avoid dumping of refuse in the drains.

Finally, NEMA advised residents to relocate to higher areas should they be experiencing heavy accumulation of water, and to call the nearest police station or the agency on its emergency numbers: 080022636432; 08160581814 or 08067715203.

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