NEMA seeks collaboration to curb flood disaster The National Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday in Ibadan urged Nigerians to complement government’s efforts in mitigating the impact of flooding. NEMA Coordinator, South-West, Iyiola Akande, made the call during the South-West Zonal Awareness Flood Campaign on early warning and early action for stakeholders in the zone. The NEMA official, who recalled that flooding ravaged 23 states of the federation in 2012, said, “The tragedy cost the country an economic loss valued at N2.6trn”. Akande, who said the workshop was necessitated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s prediction of heavy rainfall in the year, added that no fewer than seven million people were affected, with 363 deaths recorded, last year. He said, “The prediction painted a clear picture of what the nation should expect this year when compared with the devastating effect of the 2012 flooding that ravaged about 23 states of the federation.” The Commissioner for Environment and Habitat in Oyo State, Lowo Obisesan, said the efforts of stakeholders would go a long way in controlling flooding. Obisesan, who was represented on the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Modupe Omonigbehin, said, “If we are all ready to give what it takes, if rivers and streams are allowed to go through their channels without obstruction, flooding will be prevented.” He said unlike earthquake, hurricane or volcanic and other natural disasters, flooding could be predicted in scope, time and impact and therefore, could be prepared for. The Supervisor for Environment, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Lagos State, Felix Ajayi, said, “The lesson from this seminar is to get us prepared to avoid impending losses. “The citizens should stop erecting houses on the flood planes and desist from dumping wastes arbitrarily.” The Assistant Coordinator, NEMA South-West, Segun Babatunde, said, “With the level of preparedness, we are hopeful that the impact of flooding will be reduced this year.” Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has said it is prepared for the emergencies that may come with the predictions that the nation could suffer another round of flood disaster. The Commanding Officer of the 14 Field Regiment, Onitsha, Lt.-Col. Bayode Adetoro, said this in Onitsha on Tuesday at a seminar on ‘The Press and Crisis Management during Natural Disaster: 2012 Anambra State Flood in Focus’. Adetoro said the army’s flood emergency preparation was in line with the vision of Chief of Army Staff transformation of the Nigerian Army into a force that is able to deal with contemporary challenges. He said, “Nigerian Army is working out a plan to combat this nature of disaster when it occurs.” Source : #Punch #Team Afredeef
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:46:11 +0000
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