RismadarVoice Reporters
July 29, 2026
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has warned residents of Cross River State to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and blockage of drainage channels as part of measures to mitigate the impact of flooding predicted for 2026.
The warning was given on Tuesday at the commencement of a 3-day Flood Preparedness and Simulation Exercise in Calabar organised by NEMA in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, CR-SEMA.
Speaking, the Director of Search and Rescue, NEMA Headquarters, Abuja, Air Commodore BA Usman, who represented the Director General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, said Cross River was identified as one of the “flag states” expected to experience serious flooding this year based on predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
He said, “This exercise in Cross River State is to test our preparedness should there be flooding activities, and also to sensitise residents and stakeholders on their roles when such incidents happen.”
He explained that flooding is caused by both environmental and human factors, adding that there is a need for continuous public awareness.
“We keep bringing that awareness to everybody to know what he’s supposed to do should there be a flood, and what not to do that could cause that flooding. From our own end, we will continue to synergise with Cross River State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders to ensure that we conduct this exercise successfully”, he added.
He urged residents to take personal responsibility by keeping drainages clear and adhering to early warning advisories to prevent avoidable disaster.
Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, said the agency, on the directive of Governor Bassey Otu, has already provided relief for flood victims, stressing that the agency is planning to flag off a statewide flood awareness campaign across the 18 local government areas in the state.
He disclosed that in collaboration with the Red Cross, 57 households are currently being housed in a haven facility, with 3 more households expected to join.
Nyong assured residents that the agency is working with relevant agencies to secure aid for flood victims and affected communities.
“Our governor is the people’s first, and anybody working under him should be able to follow suit. So, Cross River State SEMA is equally the people’s first agency. There is hope for Cross Riverians”, Nyong stated.
The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, in Cross River, Abubakar Wathanafa, said NIWA is collaborating with NEMA and CR-SEMA on flood preparedness.
He listed NIWA’s interventions to include year-round public awareness, deployment of “River Safety Marshals” at beaches, stationing of boats and water ambulances for evacuation, and desilting of water channels to allow free flow of water.
“NIWA has created what we call the river safety marshals. In each of the states, we have about 10 of them stationed at particular locations or beaches, so that in case of emergencies, these are the grassroots marshals that will inform the agencies”, he added.
