The Administration of the Federal Capital Territory has embarked on massive sensitization of communities on the need to embrace caution against all forms of disasters as Nigeria prepares to join the global community to commemorate International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13,
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency FCT FEMA took the advocacy campaigns to the Bwari Area Council where it met with Traditional rulers, youth and women groups as well as leadership of the Council Area.
The Director of Forecasting, Response and Mitigation of FEMA Mrs. Florence Wenegieme while addressing them noted the significance of disaster risk reduction in communities in order to save lives and properties.
She reminded the community leaders that, disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of lives and great social and economic upheaval.
She said, “Villages and hamlets suffer greatly when disasters occur, so there is the need for the creation of awareness at the grassroots level for a prompt disaster response.”
Mrs Wenegieme identified some of the common hazards including floods, fire outbreaks, earth tremors, epidemics, and communal conflicts among others.
She said, “Disaster management is not just for the agency but a responsibility for all. Do not build on waterways, under electric high voltage lines, do not lick waterways,” Mrs Wenegieme advised.
Mrs Wenegieme informed them that, the agency has put in place rescue teams such as fire service, local divers, and volunteer guards among others to respond to emergencies from any distress call.
She urged the council area to collaborate with traditional leaders and to create a local emergency committee for better synergy with FEMA in mitigating disasters in communities.
The Director of Forecasting and Response Mitigation of FEMA informed them of the readiness of the agency to respond to distress calls within three minutes on the 112 toll-free line.
The Chairman Bwari Area Council Mr. John Gabaya, represented by the Secretary Mr. Eli Peter and Etsu Bwari Ibrahim Yaro JP both promised to support the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency FEMA in making the communities disaster responsive.
The commemoration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction began in 1989, by the United Nations General Assembly to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction to be held every 13 October.
The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.
The theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is, “Fighting inequality for a resilient future”.
Dominica Nwabufo
