The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in a proactive move to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response to flooding, has concluded a large-scale flood simulation and sensitization exercise in the South East Zone.
The exercise, codenamed “IDE MMIRI ODACHI” – which translates to “Water of Disaster,” was conducted from June 18 to 21, 2025, at the Naval Outpost in Okoti, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The operation aimed to test Nigeria’s preparedness for anticipated flooding, enhance multi-agency coordination, and raise awareness among vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the event, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the simulation was a demonstration of the agency’s proactive approach to disaster management, particularly in high-risk flood-prone states like Abia, Anambra, and Imo, as identified in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook.
“Today, we simulate a crisis so that we can better respond when the real one strikes. Preparedness saves lives,” she said. “Our ability to respond and recover depends largely on how well we plan and train together before disaster hits.”
Mrs. Umar added that the exercise helped expose operational gaps, strengthened collaboration between agencies, and refined Nigeria’s disaster response strategies.
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The full-scale simulation featured practical response drills, inter-agency coordination scenarios, and an After Action Review. It was designed to evaluate the operational effectiveness of the Search and Rescue Epidemic and Evacuation Plan (SAREEP) and the National Contingency Plan (NCP).
According to Eugene Nyelong, NEMA Assistant Director of Operations, the scenario focused on the anticipated overflow of the Ogbaru River and its potential to affect 74 local government areas across the Southeast and South-South regions.
“The simulation depicted widespread flooding, mass displacement, and infrastructure damage, with over 100 people presumed missing. This underscores the urgent need for a unified, rapid, and efficient emergency response,” Nyelong said.
He emphasized that the exercise was conducted under a centralized command structure, with participation from federal and state agencies, local authorities, community volunteers, and the Nigerian Armed Forces. Independent observers and neutral evaluators also monitored the exercise to ensure objectivity and accountability.
Representing Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, commended NEMA for choosing Ogbaru , one of the state’s most flood-prone areas, as the host site.
“This is more than a simulation. It is a clear commitment to saving lives and reducing disaster impacts,” Odenigbo said. “We must act decisively against threats worsened by climate change and urban planning failures.”
He reaffirmed Anambra’s commitment to collaborating with NEMA in strengthening early warning systems, improving public awareness, and ensuring faster post-disaster recovery.
Navy Capt. Musa Jarma, Commanding Officer of the Naval Outpost in Onitsha, noted that the Nigerian Navy is increasingly equipped for inland disaster response. He described the exercise as an eye-opener, with valuable lessons to guide future interventions.
Also speaking, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, assured Nigerians of the agency’s readiness to launch immediate rescue operations when needed. He emphasized that the ongoing sensitization across flood-prone LGAs like Anambra East and Ogbaru was part of a larger effort to reduce disaster casualties through public education.
A representative from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Kenneth , applauded NEMA’s initiative and pledged continued federal support for disaster management efforts.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Clement Ovuoba, expressed appreciation for the program and affirmed his state’s dedication to replicating the flood awareness campaigns.He added that Exercise IDE MMIRI ODACHI marks one of Nigeria’s most extensive flood preparedness drills in recent years.
“We will take this message home to LGAs like Ikwo, Izzi, Abakaliki, and Afikpo which are at high and moderate risk, asoyr goal is to integrate flood mitigation into our broader state-wide response strategy,” he stated.
The Nigerian Red Cross Anambra State Branch, the civil defence and road safety were fully represented.
The event wrapped up with the distribution of relief materials to displaced persons and renewed commitments from all stakeholders to prioritize disaster risk reduction.