Flooding: FEMA places Workers on Red Alert

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By: Nkechi Isa

Following the impact-based forecast issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET), anticipating heavy rainfall in the FCT and its neighbouring states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has called on all stakeholders to take extra precautionary measures to ensure the protection of lives and property.

The Director-General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss gave this advice in a statement in Abuja Monday.
Alhaji Idriss explained that the forecast anticipated heavy rainfall over parts of the FCT, Niger, Nassarawa and Kaduna States.

According to the forecast, the rains are expected to be predominantly intermittent with isolated thunderstorms, flash flooding of roads, low-lying settlements and river channels.

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 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.

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.
FEMA has also barricaded the exit and entrance into the Dogongada community in Lokogoma District, which is always vulnerable to flooding.

Furthermore, FEMA has erected a standby duty post for FEMA rescue team for the community local vanguard by the River bank at Dogongada.

The Director-General thus, appealed to FCT residents to avoid low-lying terrains, avoid standing under trees and unsecured structures, do not drive through running water and switch off electrical appliances before and 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.