Agency Activates Stakeholders To Ensure Protection Of Lives, Properties

By Hudu Yakubu Abuja

Following the impact-based forecast issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET), anticipating heavy rainfall in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and its neighboring States, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) has activated all stakeholders to ensure the protection of lives and property.

The Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head public Affairs of the Agency, Nkechi Isa and made available to Journalists in Abuja.

Alhaji Idriss explained that the forecast anticipates heavy rainfall over parts of the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna States between the 26th and 28th of July 2022.

He further explained that, based on the forecast, the rains are expected to be predominantly intermittent with isolated thunderstorms, flash flooding of roads, low-lying settlements and river channels.

The DG also said to mitigate the impact of the anticipated heavy rains, FEMA has put all its community divers, local committee Vanguard and key stakeholders on red alert.

Similarly, the DG said all community divers, volunteers and vanguards have been issued modern rescue equipment including branded raincoats, water jackets, life buoys, reflective jackets , personal protective wears and mobile breathing apparatus as well as the provision of Closed User Group,(CUG), communication gadgets to enhance their operations.

He said, other measures put in place include the collapse of the existing shift duty of rescuers to intensify surveillance for a prompt response during the period.

Idriss who noted that, FEMA has also barricaded the exit and entrance into the Dogongada community in Lokogoma District, which is always vulnerable to flooding, added that the Agency has erected a standby duty post for FEMA rescue team for the community local vanguard by the River bank at Dogongada.

The FEMA boss appealed to FCT residents to desist from the following during the rains; avoid low-lying terrains, avoid standing under trees and unsecured structures, do not drive through running water and switch off electrical appliances before and not during the rains to avoid electrical shocks.

Idriss reiterated the commitment of FEMA to the protection of lives and property in the FCT.

He urged residents to call the 112 toll-free emergency number in the event of an emergency.