By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has taken proactive control measures to forestall the recurrence of last year’s food disaster which killed over 100 people and displaced thousands in Adamawa State.
Statistics released by the Agency revealed that flood had in 2012 affected seven million people and destroyed or damaged 597,476 houses leading to loss of an estimated N 2.6 trillion nationwide.
Speaking in Yola, at stakeholders meeting, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Muhamad Kanar said the Agency had just set up an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Demsa which was the worst affected local government area in 2012 to quickly accommodate victims in the event of disaster. Camps were also provided in Madagali and
Yola South Local government areas.
He pointed out that the steps were necessary in view of the predictions by relevant authorities of heavy down pour this season with Adamawa fingered as one of the states expected to be worst hit in 2013.
“There is prediction of heavy rainfall this year and that leads to flood which is a natural phenomenon. We therefore worked to reduce the impact so that even if it happens the effect will be less severe on people. We are here to sensitize the vulnerable communities and build
three IDP camps before the incidence”,he said.
According to him, NEMA was assessing the level of preparation by the State government and other stakeholders in tackling the flood issue which threaten several communities along the banks of River Benue, urging all stakeholders to contribute adequately towards the success
of the disaster control efforts.
He noted the importance of collaboration in tackling disaster issues, adding the agency seeks to involve local government councils as partners in the effort to protect lives and properties and assist victims to live healthy lives.
The zonal coordinator flagged off the four- day activities with the commissioning of a flood awareness bill board erected by the NEMA/NYSC EMV community development service group
