NARSDA To Train FEMD On Use Of Space Technology In Emergency Management

By: Nkechi Isa

Operational Staff of the FCT Emergency Management Department,(FEMD)are to be trained on the deployment of technology to mitigate disasters.

This is one of the outcome of the proposed collaboration between FEMD and the
National Space Research and Development Agency,( NARSDA).

The Head of Information and Communication Technology of NARSDA, Mr. John Nwangwu, announced during a meeting at the Corporate Headquarters of FEMD in Abuja.

Nwangwu said that the training would enhance the operations of FEMD before, during and after a disaster.

Noting the importance of Geographic Information System,(GIS), in prioritising response and allocation of resources during a disaster, Nwangwu pledged the assistance of the Agency in assisting FEMD set up a Situation Room.

His words: “GiS can help you assess the level of damage, identify the most suitable route, response and resource allocation.”

Other areas of collaboration are early warning system, development of a dash board to enable FEMD track its assets and training for the management cadre.

Responding, the Ag. Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, appealed to NARSDA for assistance in the areas of hazard mapping and vulnerability capability assessment.

Represented at the occasion by the Deputy Director Admin, Mr Azeez Kadiri, the Director-General noted that FEMD reviewed its hazard mapping three years ago; stressing the need for a fresh review in line with present realities.