Retired AVM Muhammadu Muhammed, the Director-General of the agency, disclosed this at the 2020 Flood After Action Review Technical Meeting organised for stakeholders on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had in attendance heads of state emergency management agencies, dam managers, heads of zonal, territorial and operational offices of NEMA, among other stakeholders.

Mohammed said the flooding, which had devastating impacts on lives, properties and farmlands, affected 320 local government areas in 35 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The devastating impact of the 2020 flooding killed 68 people, affected 35 states including FCT, 320 LGAs and over 129,000 people.

“It led to loss of lives, it destroyed houses and washed away farmlands across the country, thereby having negative impact on food security,” he said.

According to him, the after action review meeting became necessary in order to improve performances by reflecting on activities, avoiding past mistakes and replicating successes.

He added that the agency was determined to support state emergency management agencies to build their capacities and enhance their response capabilities to disasters.

The DG also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for giving the agency adequate supports.

He also appreciated the Nigerian Armed Forces for their technical and logistical supports in terms of preparedness, mitigation and response to floods in the affected areas.

Alhaji Sani Dododo, Chairman, Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, who spoke on behalf of the state agencies, called on his colleagues to give NEMA more support to save guard lives and property.

He added that each state should take note of the various weather seasons and possible disasters associated with them to work towards mitigating their effects.

Mr. Clement Nze, Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), added that the impact of the floods on farmlands had greatly threatened food security in the country.

He, however, assured of his agency’s readiness to work closely with NEMA to promote inter-agency collaboration to avert flood disasters in the country. (NAN)