The National Emergency Management Agency has urged flood‑affected communities to adopt improved environmental practices and disaster risk reduction, describing it as a new national response paradigm.

The NEMA Director‑General, Zubaida Umar, gave the charge recently while distributing relief materials to victims in the Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

Represented by the Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, Uyo Operations Office, Victor Akpakpan, Umar said prevention and preparedness must guide community responses to recurring climate‑related disasters.

She said, “Responsible waste disposal, drainage maintenance and early warnings will reduce losses and save lives when floods strike our communities.”

Umar sympathised with affected residents, explaining that the intervention aimed to cushion flood impacts recorded earlier this year and support recovery across the devastated communities.

Beneficiaries were seen departing distribution centres with assorted food items, expressing relief as assistance reached households struggling after months of displacement and livelihood disruption.

Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, thanked the Federal Government and NEMA, saying the support was deeply appreciated by the people.

Offiono said the constituency suffered severe flooding during the rainy season, destroying homes, roads and farmlands and worsening food insecurity for vulnerable rural families.

He added, “The assistance is timely, but sustained support is essential to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen resilience against future floods.”

Speaking for beneficiaries, Igbang Ebiamu commended the Federal Government, NEMA and the Cross River State Government for the relief, describing it as “a lifeline”.

Ebiamu appealed for additional assistance from all tiers of government, noting that many victims still require shelter, seeds and tools to restart farming.

Items distributed included 300 bags each of rice and garri, 150 cartons of spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, seasoning and iodised salt.