FEMD, NASRDA Collaborates On Tech Deployment In Disaster Management
By: Nkechi Isa
To strengthen emergency response, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), will collaborate with the National Space Research and Development Agency,(NASRDA) on the use of technology.
The Ag. Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit to NASRDA in Abuja.
According to him, NARSDA’s capabilities in satellite imagery, geo-spatial analysis and communication technology offer vital tools that can enhance FEMD disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
He further stated that by integrating NARSDA’s advanced space- based data with FEMD’s on the ground operations, both agencies can create a more robust disaster management system.
His words: “Thus, enabling proactive risk reduction, real time disaster monitoring and efficient resource allocation”.
The FEMD DG said that by leveraging on NASRDA’s advanced satellite technology, geo-spatial tools and communication systems,FEMD can significantly improve its disaster preparedness, early warning capabilities and response effectiveness.
He added that such a synergy will ensure a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework for the FCT.
Responding, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, pledged to collaborate with FEMD in the deployment of technology to manage disasters in the FCT.
“Your request for development of early warning, capacity building and Geographic Information System are what we are capable of. We shall set up geo-spatial data base and bring the power of GIS to manage it”, he said.
Adepoju called for the setting up of a crack team, to put action into words in the areas of common interest to develop activities and timelines.
On the recent tremor in some parts of the FCT, Adepoju noted that NASRDA has already prepared early warning mechanism to measure the magnitude of the earth tremor.
He called for the setting up of more seismic stations, particularly in the FCT; adding that the Agency and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation would meet with the FCT Administration on the issue.
