Flooding: Nasarawa Emergency Management Agency tasks stakeholders on sensitisation

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Zachary Allumaga, Director-General, NASEMAl

By our reporter, Lafia

Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) has charged stakeholders in disaster management to intensify sensitisation in disaster-prone areas, especially flooding that comes with the rainy season.

Zachary Allumaga, Director-General, NASEMA gave the charge in Lafia at the one day stakeholders meeting on disaster management.

He reminded the stakeholders of the impending flood disaster predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) for 2024, and the need to create awareness in order to mitigate the impact on the people.

Worried by the weather pattern, Allumaga urged residents to exercise caution and refrain from activities that could trigger potential disasters.

“The rain this year has already signaled the likelihood of serious disasters. Effective sensitisation efforts are essential to minimise the damages,” he said.

Allumaga further stated that reports from the field corroborate the gravity of the situation, particularly in Keana, where more than 1,000 houses have already been affected by adverse weather conditions.

He underscored community sensitisation and the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with heavy rainfall.

He urged communities to take precautions such as relocating from flood prone areas to safer place, also move the vulnerable individuals, particularly infants and the elderly, to safer areas to avoid potential hazards.

“It has been our tradition to sensitise people at the beginning of each rainy season for people to take precautionary measures against flood, especially those who live in a flood prone areas to relocate from such places.

“Disaster is not only about flood, we have other forms of disasters, so many houses got burnt this year, fire brigade is here, people should be told what they are supposed to do, they have to make sure they don’t do things that is inimical to fire.

“Sensitisation will empower individuals to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to protect themselves and their families from potential dangers posed by inclement weather conditions,” he said.

The NASEMA boss noted that the various stakeholders – the Fire Service, Police, Road Safety, Nasarawa State Urban Development Board, Traditional rulers, Community among others were critical in disaster management in the state.

Ambuda Joshua, Director of Nasarawa State Fire Service, appealed to general public to take precaution against fire, stressing the need for every family to acquire portable functional fire extinguisher in their homes as well as putting off all the electrical gadgets before leaving their homes and offices.

Also speaking, Mohammed Yahaya, the Managing Director, Nasarawa State Urban Development Board, represented by Sabo Manjiche, warned against building on waterway.

“It is regrettable that many residents disregard regulations, acceptable standard and opting for unauthorised building sites, thus undermining the overall urban planning and design of Nasarawa State,” he said.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the event were the Police, Road Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and that of Information, all resolved to sensitise the people to take precaution in their own interest.

They re- echoed Allumaga’s concern, collectively urging residents to refrain from obstructing water channels and building in flood-prone areas.