The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a high-level evacuation alert to residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area in Imo State, citing the threat of rapidly rising floodwaters now endangering lives, homes, and livelihoods in the region.
The alert follows a joint flood assessment mission conducted by NEMA officials in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, which responded to mounting concerns from residents over surging water levels across several communities in the oil-rich local government.
In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, NEMA warned that the floodwaters are spreading swiftly, already encroaching on residential properties, farmlands, and key infrastructure.
“Based on current hydrological projections, we anticipate that the situation could worsen in the coming days,” the agency said. It advised residents of 28 highly flood-prone villages — including Ogboru, Edeakamaya, Olutu, Ipo, Eze Abacheke, Deyezegbe, Ogbede, and Okishipai — to urgently relocate to higher ground.
The agency also appealed to the state government, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to mobilise resources and shelters for those displaced.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, heed official guidance, and report any emergencies as efforts intensify to mitigate the looming disaster.