NEMA Issues Evacuation Alert as Floodwaters Rise in Imo Communities

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area in Imo State to prepare for potential evacuation due to worsening flooding in the region.

The alert follows an on-the-ground assessment conducted by NEMA and the Federal Fire Service, Owerri Station, after locals reported rapidly rising floodwaters.

In a Tuesday statement on its official X platform, NEMA confirmed floodwaters were increasingly submerging homes and farmlands, posing significant risks to affected communities.

The agency advised residents to stay vigilant and heed emergency directives as the situation develops.

(Alternative concise version for breaking news format:)
“Imo Flood Alert: NEMA Directs Ohaji/Egbema Residents to Prepare for Evacuation
The National Emergency Management Agency has warned flooding may force evacuations in Imo’s Ohaji/Egbema LGA after assessment teams confirmed encroaching waters. Residents reported submerged homes and farmlands, prompting the emergency alert Tuesday.”

Let me know if you’d prefer a different tone or emphasis!

“The joint team, led by Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Nweze Innocent, visited affected parts of the Abacheke community.

“Accompanied by the Secretary to the Traditional Ruler, Mr. Nwabuchi Eminent, the team observed that floodwaters were steadily encroaching into residential areas, with visible signs of submergence already affecting parts of the community,” the statement read.

The agency said that local farmers have already begun early harvesting of immature crops in a bid to salvage produce before their fields are submerged.

“It was also observed that local farmers had commenced early harvesting of crops—many of which are not fully mature—in a desperate attempt to salvage what they could before the floods destroy their farmlands. In Ogboru village, several areas have already been inundated, affecting key infrastructure including: Abacheke Primary Health Centre, religious institutions (notably
The Apostolic Church), Salzan Industries, and Community Primary School (already shut down in anticipation of the flooding).

“A similar situation was recorded in Udekpunata village, where both farmlands and residential areas are being overtaken by rising waters,” NEMA said.

Nweze urged residents of the 28 flood-prone villages—including Ogboru, Edeakamaya, Olutu, Ipo, Eze Abacheke, Deyezegbe, Ogbede, and Okishipai—to prepare for possible evacuation to higher and safer grounds.

He warned that with current water levels and seasonal projections, the likelihood of more severe flooding in the coming weeks remains high and that community vigilance is critical.

While speaking, Nwabuchi recalled the devastation of the 2022 floods, in which entire communities were submerged, resulting in the establishment of an IDP camp in Ogboru village.

“He further informed the team that community leaders have since intensified sensitisation efforts—discouraging building on waterways, promoting environmental sanitation, and urging residents to remain alert and ready for immediate evacuation if necessary,” the statement added.