By Miriam Humbe
Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, recently flagged off the relief distribution at the Umuoba Anam IDP camp in Anambra East Local Government Area.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by flooding in Anambra State were excited as NEMA delivered relief materials approved by the Federal Government to various camps where they are currently taking shelter.
The relief items delivered included bags of rice, garri, cartons of vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, mats, clothing for men, women, and children, toilet soap, detergents, and sanitary pads, among other essentials.
NEMA’s Director General explained that the relief items were intended not only for those in the camps but also for flood-affected individuals residing outside the camps in other parts of the State.
She also explained that the distribution was part of the ongoing 2024 flood intervention efforts to complement the initial support provided to the affected persons by the State Government.
The Director General who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Dr. Martins Udeinya Ejike, highlighted that this year, the Agency had previously intervened with relief items delivered to several areas across the State.
The areas included Oyi/Ayamelum, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Anambra North Senatorial District, Anambra West/East Federal Constituencies, and Onitsha North/South Federal Constituencies.
She also expressed concern about frequent flood disaster in Anambra state and urged the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local councils, and town planning authorities to continue raising awareness to prevent the construction of homes and other buildings in flood-prone areas along riverbanks.
The Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, who represented Governor Charles Soludo, thanked the Federal Government for its timely intervention.
He commended NEMA for its efficient distribution of relief items and reassured that the items would be equitably distributed across the affected local government areas.
The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr. Ifeanyi Chinweze, also commended the Federal Government for its support to the flood-affected persons through NEMA, noting that the relief materials would ease their suffering.
