No fewer than 44 persons have died across 42 Local Government Areas during the flood disaster that ravaged 18 States of the Federation, according to latest report released by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar disclosed this in Abuja during the National Emergency Coordination Forum meeting of stakeholders convened to review the current flood situation and strengthen synergy towards efficient mitigation and response strategies to also address associated public health concerns in the country.
Mrs. Umar who expressed grave concern over the ugly development, underscored the need to strengthen partnership towards ensuring effective implementation of mitigation strategies and timely response to avert the tendency of more losses from the disaster.
The stakeholders including various security agencies and United Nations were drawn from all critical sectors of flood management were invited for stocktaking and review of strategies to activate the initial plan of actions after the release of the seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlook that revealed high probability flood in the country.
She said: “as we receive full details of the flood update and cholera situation across the country today, it is expected that it will awaken us to take more proactive measures to save the lives of our dear Citizens and be able to adequately respond in areas that have already been affected.”
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While appreciating the commitment of the stakeholders, she urged all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Non-Governmental organizations not to relent in their efforts to ensure steps are taken to reduce the impact of disasters across the country, especially flooding and cholera outbreaks currently being experienced.
She said NEMA has intensified efforts towards sensitizing the general public on the need to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the predicted flood disaster through awareness campaigns at the Local Government and community level and also through the print and electronic media.
“NEMA is also carrying out sensitization and awareness campaigns on proper waste management at the community level which is aimed at educating residents on proper waste disposal practices and the dangers of flooding in vulnerable areas.
“Additionally, NEMA has also activated the National Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to support and coordinate responses; share information; provide timely support to affected area; collate and analyse flood incident data across the country”, she added.
The NEMA boss was confident that the outcome of the meeting will engender more actions that would also address the public health concerns of the current cholera outbreak in some parts of the country.
She therefore urged all the Stakeholders to make contributions that will enhance emergency preparedness and response across the country with a view to creating a resilient community.
The Head of United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr. Trond Jensen assured the cooperation and support on the United Nations Systems in Nigeria work with NEMA in the management of disasters in the country.
