The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is ready to work with emergency response agencies and organisations to tackle flooding in Onitsha and its environs.
The South-East Director of the Agency, Mr Walson Ibarakumo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.
According to him, synergy with NEMA and other organisations with similar mandate is critical in ensuring that imminent flooding in the area do not cause colossal damage to lives and property.
Ibarakumo said that the agency had written to most of the agencies and organisations in Anambra State for their help in a case of emergency evacuation.
NAN reports that the emergency response agencies and organisations include the Anambra SEMA, Red Cross, Ocha Brigade of Anambra, Boys Scout, Marine Police, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Army Engineers all in Onitsha.
According to him, the essence of involving all first line emergency response agencies is to get them ready, adding that there are signs of massive flooding in Onitsha and its environs.
“We are meeting with the state government officials and later with all emergency first response agencies and organisations.
“The meeting will be for us to understand each other in terms of what each agency/organisation can bring on the table and their areas of strength as well as exchange ideas on how to move when the time comes.
“This will afford us the opportunity to work in unison and co-ordination as well as achieve our target of serving our people.
“I mean the people affected by the imminent flood, on time,’’ he said.
The zonal director urged the locals in Anambra to work closely with their leaders, chiefs and local emergency management committees.
“The local emergency committees should quickly alert the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) that will contact NEMA.
“NEMA in turn will inform our emergency response partners for us to move on time.’’
By Stanley Nwanosike
