Flood disaster: NEMA concludes assessment of Anambra, Bayelsa communities

The authorities of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday disclosed that they have concluded on-the-spot assessments of the flood impacts in Anambra and Bayelsa States as part of their flood preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for 2024.

The assessments were conducted in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In Anambra, NEMA focused on eight Local Government Areas (LGAs): Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Awka North, Ihiala, Idemili South, and Ekwusigo.

The assessment aimed to evaluate the extent of the damage, including the number of affected households, fatalities, missing persons, and the destruction of homes and farmland.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (ASSEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, expressed his delight over NEMA’s prompt intervention and applauded the Agency’s delegation.

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In Bayelsa State, the joint assessment, which included SEMA Director Dr. Dio Wenapere, visited 54 communities across seven Local Government Areas: Sagbama, Kulokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Ekeremor, Yenagoa, and Brass.

Other communities visited included Asamabiri, Kaiama, Amasoma, Toron Ndoro, and Igbogene, among others.

In her remarks, NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of harmonizing data with SEMAs and partners to accurately assess the scale of the disaster, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response.

She assured Nigerians and the international community of the Agency’s commitment to ensuring efficient disaster management.

Mrs. Umar also reiterated the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in its quest to provide necessary support where needed.