The group urges timely preparedness, awareness and resilience against floods

The Abia State Government and other South East governments, experts, stakeholders, community leaders and civil society organizations have been urged to urgently strengthen flood preparedness and climate adaptation measures following forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of increased rainfall and thunderstorms in several parts of the country.

The appeal was made by the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), an environmental group, which noted that the forecast should not be seen simply as a weather warning but as an important early warning requiring coordinated action to reduce the devastating impacts of floods, which have become increasingly frequent due to climate change.

The organization said many communities in Abia State and the South East remain vulnerable due to blocked drainage systems, poor waste management practices, unregulated physical development, inadequate public awareness and poor investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.

In a statement FENRAD Executive Director Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor said: “Floods are no longer isolated incidents. They are becoming a recurring consequence of climate change and environmental mismanagement. Every warning issued by NiMet must be treated as a call to action.

“Governments at all levels should prioritize prevention, preparedness and community resilience instead of waiting to respond after lives and property have been lost.”

FENRAD specifically urged the Abia State Government and other South Eastern states to activate emergency preparedness and flood response mechanisms in communities identified at risk of flooding.

Nwafor said they should intensify public awareness campaigns through radio, television, social media, community town hall meetings, schools, churches, markets and traditional institutions to ensure residents understand flood risks and appropriate safety measures.