Environment
THE Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Friday in Calabar, conducted a full-scale flood disaster simulation in the effort to strengthen preparedness and emergency response.
The simulation exercise which was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank was in partnership with Cross River Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), other relevant agencies and local communities.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA said the exercise demonstrated coordinated actions required before, during and after flooding to minimise loss of lives, livelihoods and property.
Represented by Mr Aliyu Waziri, Director of Internal Audit, NEMA, Umar said the agency prioritised preparedness, community resilience and early action instead of waiting for disasters before responding.
According to her, “the nationwide simulation complemented ongoing sensitisation campaigns which equipped communities, volunteers and emergency responders to evacuate residents, coordinate rescue operations and support recovery efforts.”
On his part, Gov. Bassey Otu of the state described the simulation as impressive, saying it showcased NEMA’s operational capacity in flood rescue and emergency response.
Otu, represented by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, said the state would strengthen its SEMA as many communities across the state remained vulnerable to flooding and required sustained preparedness measures.
“The state government would temporarily use primary schools and community halls as shelters for displaced persons, while seeking greater Federal Government support for flood and landslide victims,” he said.
He urged residents to heed safety advisories, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration with the Federal Government would reduce the devastating effects of recurring floods and related disasters.
Similarly, Director-General of the SEMA, Mr Efa Nyong, described the exercise as impactful, saying that it came barely one month after his assumption of office, amid increasing weather-related emergencies.
Nyong said the agency would soon begin statewide sensitisation through billboards, radio jingles and community town criers to improve public awareness and disaster preparedness.
He said the support of the state governor had strengthened emergency management efforts, adding that sustained public enlightenment would encourage residents to respond appropriately during disasters.
Also, Brig. Gen. Julius Ogbobe, Deputy Director, Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters, commended NEMA, SEMA and local communities for the successful exercise, describing the coordination as beyond expectations.
Ogbobe urged organisers to improve community mobilisation in future exercises, saying that greater participation by residents of flood-prone communities would enhance preparedness and strengthen emergency response capacity.
The residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the Federal and state governments for the simulation and distribution of relief materials, and appealed for inclusion of more households in subsequent exercises. (NAN)
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Tags: FG flood Simulation