NARSDA Trains FEMD To Deploy Space Technology In Emergency Mgt

By Miriam Humbe

Operational Staff of the FCT Emergency Management Department, (FEMD) are to be trained on the deployment of technology to mitigate disasters.

Nkechi Isa, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.

This is one of the outcomes of the proposed collaboration between FEMD and the National Space Research and Development Agency, (NARSDA).

The Head of Information and Communication Technology of NARSDA, Mr John Nwangwu revealed this during a meeting at the Corporate Headquarters of FEMD in Abuja.

Mr Nwangwu said that the training would enhance the operations of FEMD before, during and after a disaster.

Noting the importance of Geographic Information System, (GIS), in prioritising response and allocation of resources during a disaster, Nwangwu pledged the assistance of the Agency in assisting FEMD set up a Situation Room.

He said: “GiS can help you assess the level of damage, identify the most suitable route, response and resource allocation”.

Other areas of collaboration are early warning system, development of a dash board to enable FEMD track it’s assets and training for the management cadre of FEMD.

The Ag Director General of FEMD Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed appealed to NARSDA for assistance in the areas of hazard mapping and vulnerability capability assessment.

Represented by the Deputy Director Admin, Mr Azeez Kadiri, Abdulrahman said that FEMD reviewed it’s hazard mapping three years ago, stressing the need for a fresh review in line with present realities.