In a bid to strengthen flood risk preparedness and enhance grassroots awareness, Tracy Uzoigwe, the anchor of Love 104.5 FM Abuja’s LivingEarth program, paid a visit to the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed. Their discussion centered around potential collaborations to bring critical flood early warning information directly to communities most at risk.
The meeting underscored the power of partnerships in disaster risk management, especially as the risks of flooding and drought rise due to climate change. NIHSA has been proactive in issuing warnings and predictions, such as the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), which flagged 148 Local Government Areas across 31 states as high-risk zones for flooding.
The Director General expressed his gratitude for the visit, emphasizing that collaboration with media outlets like Love 104.5 FM is key to ensuring essential information reaches those who need it most. “Effective dissemination of flood information is essential to managing our water resources,” he said, “and critical to minimizing the risks associated with flooding and drought.”
Looking ahead, the Director General shared that NIHSA would introduce an Annual Drought Outlook (ADO) in 2025. He also outlined plans to elevate NIHSA’s operations to meet global standards, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This partnership with Love 104.5 FM is a step toward equipping vulnerable communities with the knowledge and tools needed to take proactive measures against flood risks. By fostering awareness and resilience, NIHSA aims to build stronger, safer communities better prepared to face the challenges posed by a changing climate.
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