DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has dispatched additional search and rescue personnel and facilities to strengthen the on-going rescue of Maiduguri residents trapped in their homes by the devastating flood disaster in the city.
Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, also warned against likelihood of water borne epidemic that may result from contamination of households water.
Umar said, however, that the agency has been using it’s water tanker to provide safe and clean water to the displaced residents, who are residing at the temporary shelter, including those at the Bakassi camp.
She stated that the agency, through its North East zonal office, has been working together with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders in the conduct of search and rescue operations, as well as carrying out rapid assessment for appropriate assistance to the impacted persons.
In a statement by the head of the press unit of NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, the Director General also commended officials of the agency and other agencies, including volunteers, for providing safety and support to the flood affected persons.
Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation that included the DG NEMA to the flood-ravaged Maiduguri metropolis for an on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with the people and Government of Borno State.
Shettima, while addressing the displaced persons currently taking refuge at the Bakkasi camp provided by the state government, restated the commitment of the Federal Government to support the affected persons and communities, as well as ensure that recovery efforts reach every corner impacted by the flood disaster.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi.