By Miriam Humbe
In continuation of its coordinated response to the recent flooding in Ebonyi State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of affected communities across several local government areas of the state to ascertain the extent of the disaster and identify the immediate needs of affected persons.
Manzo Ezekiel of the NEMA Press Unit disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
The assessment team, led by NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, visited flood-affected communities in Ohazura, Afikpo, Ivo and other areas, where several houses and farmlands were affected by the flood.
The team included the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abbani Imam Garki; Head of NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs Priscilla Maduekwe; officials of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); and members of the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).
The special intervention team was deployed by the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, to reinforce response by the Agency’s Enugu Operations Office, the state government as well as strengthen coordination with relevant stakeholders.
The assessment provided opportunity for the team to interact with affected residents and evaluate the impact of the flooding.
Recall that the NEMA delegation on arrival in the state had delivered relief materials approved by the Federal Government through the Agency to provide immediate succour to persons affected by the disaster.
Receiving the relief materials, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Francis Nwifuru, expressed appreciation to NEMA for its timely intervention and continued support to the state in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the flooding.
The Governor assured the delegation that the relief materials would be distributed judiciously and transparently to ensure that they reach the intended beneficiaries.
The intervention underscores NEMA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments and other relevant stakeholders in providing timely humanitarian assistance, coordinating disaster response and supporting the recovery of affected communities.
