By Yemi Olakitan
In response to the dire flooding situation, the joint efforts of the government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have come into play to address the challenges faced by residents in Adamawa and Nasarawa States.
Adamawa State recently witnessed the tragic loss of five lives as a result of the ongoing floods, as reported by the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA).
In an interview conducted in Yola, the state capital, Dr. Suleiman Muhammad, the executive secretary of ADSEMA, revealed that the floods had wreaked havoc on numerous residences and commercial buildings in areas such as Fufore, Yola South, and Mubi South Local Government Areas.
Given the recent closure of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, Dr. Muhammad recommended heightened vigilance for residents of riverine settlements in Adamawa State.
In a recent meeting with stakeholders, ADSEMA called upon inhabitants of vulnerable villages to evacuate and relocate to safer areas.
Dr. Muhammad emphasized that extensive flood-related awareness campaigns are underway in all 21 local government units across the state. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to adhere strictly to guidelines provided by experts and exercise extreme caution.
The head of ADSEMA reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to effectively managing emergency situations in the state.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has taken decisive action to minimize the potential impact of the impending flood on its citizens residing near riverine settlements.
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Mr. Zachary Allumaga, the Director-General of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), announced this critical decision in a press release issued in Lafia.
With Cameroon’s notification of its intention to open the floodgates of the Lagdo Dam, the state government directed the activation of five speedboats allocated to local government areas at risk of flooding for evacuation drills. The objective is to reduce the potential devastation caused by the Lagdo Dam’s release.
To prevent a repeat of the tragic loss of life and property experienced during the 2022 floods, Mr. Allumaga implored communities along the banks of the River Benue to temporarily vacate their homes and relocate to higher ground.
He further urged local government chairmen, development area overseers, traditional and religious leaders in affected villages to use their influence to persuade their communities to heed the evacuation calls.
Mr. Allumaga emphasized that flood-prone local government areas are strictly adhering to precautionary measures set forth by the state government through NASEMA, aligning with NEMA’s guidance regarding the impending opening of the Lagdo Dam floodgate.
He also noted that earlier this year, NASEMA initiated a campaign to inform residents along the banks of the River Benue and other flood-prone local government areas about the impending risks.
As part of its mandate, the agency focuses on disaster prevention and mitigation by raising public awareness, evacuating affected individuals, and providing assistance to disaster victims.
The state government remains committed to supporting disaster victims and proactively addressing disaster-related challenges, reflecting its role as a responsible and responsive government.
Public awareness efforts, including press conferences, press releases, interviews, and jingles, continue to play a crucial role in warning residents against farming or constructing near streams, furthering the mission of disaster prevention and public safety.
