Enugu: The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says it has stockpiled relief and shelter materials ahead of an imminent flooding in some parts of the state. The Head of SEMA in the state, Mrs. Chinasa Mbah, disclosed this at a news briefing in Enugu on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mbah said that the state had stocked food, non-food materials, daily consumables, and shelter materials such as foams and blankets, among others. Mbah noted that the State Government had taken all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure that flooding and the attendant losses did not occur in the state.
She explained that upon receiving predictions from both the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency, SEMA first declared 'Operations Desilt all Drainages' in all Local Government Areas. The operation was deemed successful, with council chairmen and traditional rulers of communities in the state supporting the campaign.
Furthermore, Mbah stated that SEMA embarked on flood mitigation sensitization among communities in council areas identified as susceptible to floods. They currently run radio jingles in various stations in native languages to expand the dissemination of early warning information and precautionary mechanisms. Additionally, Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMC) are being re-inaugurated in each community, with trained officials to enhance their efficiency and prompt response in case of any flooding or other emergencies.
Mbah also highlighted that SEMA has been working in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in engaging with other critical stakeholders on flooding preparedness programs. SEMA staff undergo in-house training every last Monday of the month to enhance their operational capacity towards achieving disaster risk reduction for flooding and other emergencies in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Enugu State has yet to record any flooding this year.