By Salifu Faridat
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a poignant plea to the residents of flood-prone regions in Adamawa to consider relocating to safer grounds.
This call to action comes from Mr. Ladan Ayuba, the Head of Operations at NEMA’s Adamawa Field Office, who emphasized the significance of this recommendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
Aligned with the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook, which has forewarned of potential flooding in specific sections of the state, Ayuba singled out five local government areas as particularly vulnerable among the 21 within the state. These susceptible regions comprise Demsa, Fufore, Numan, Yola-South, and Yola-North.
Ayuba emphasized the importance of these local councils embracing preemptive flood mitigation strategies to forestall potential calamities.
In the quest for safer resettlement and shelter options, the spotlight was cast on the Damare community in Gerei Local Government Area (LGA).
Ayuba underscored that past experiences have underscored the unforeseeable nature of flooding, as demonstrated by incidents in Song and Madagal, areas initially deemed less susceptible.
Ayuba’s emphasis on safeguarding lives over property is a crucial point of focus.
He issued a stern reminder about the imperative to refrain from constructing structures in waterways and stressed the vital role of keeping drainage systems unblocked to facilitate the unobstructed flow of water.
He also drew attention to a specific forecast: Ganye LGA potentially facing flooding from August 9 to 13, as indicated by the weekly update.
In a collaborative endeavor with the state government, NEMA has been proactive in raising awareness about the perils posed by flooding within communities, a responsibility carried out through the Local Emergency Management Agency.
Concurrently, the agency is eagerly awaiting approval for the distribution of relief materials to those adversely affected by the flash floods of 2023. This distribution follows a comprehensive assessment exercise conducted in the affected areas.
NEMA’s concerted efforts and vigilance reflect a commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of Adamawa’s residents.
Through proactive advisories, partnerships with local authorities, and the distribution of vital resources, the agency exemplifies a dedication to disaster preparedness and effective response, essential elements in minimizing the impact of natural disasters.