The Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) , Muhammed Sani Sidi, said about 105,700 persons may be displaced by flood in three northern states in the country, following the recent prediction of heavy rains by National Meteorological Agency.
He disclosed this on Wednesday in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in continuation of his inspection tour of communities affected by flood in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States, saying that, “about 105,700 people may be displaced by flood this year in three northern States, if care is not taken”.
According to him, “Following the National Meteorological Agency’s prediction that some states, including Bauchi will experience
flood this year, NEMA swung into action by sensitizing various State Governments, Local Governments and Communities across the country to merge this early warning signs with positive action in order to prevent loss of lives and properties.”
Adding that, “We do not want the ugly trend of flood disaster to repeat itself again this year.”
He further stated that, the Agency has cited flood relief camps in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States for twenty-nine vulnerable communities.
Muhammad Sani-Sidi
The Director General further explained that, NEMA will no longer establish internally displaced camps in public institutions such as schools, Churches and Mosques because the approach was inconveniencing owners of such institutions.
Sidi expressed satisfaction over the timely establishment of the relief camps, saying, “I am happy that the relief camps have been cited on time to alleviate the plight of those suffering from flood. The camps meet the requirements of the camp management and standard”.
He assured that the camps will be provided with basic facilities such as mobile toilets, medical services, mattresses and clean water, so that flood victims can feel comfortable.
The NEMA Boss appealed to vulnerable communities in the States to relocate from flood prone areas and take advantage of the camps.
The Director General assured victims of flood disaster of twenty-four hours security and continuous support from both Federal and State Governments.
He recalled that the 2012 flood incident that greeted the country led to the loss of over N2.6 trillion and the death of about 360 persons.
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