The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has once again condoled with victims of the recent flood disaster in the country which ravaged through many states and left hundreds dead.
The minister, in a solemn remark during a ministerial briefing held at the State House Press Gallery, Abuja, described the loss of lives, property and farmlands as colossal and unfortunate.
She said: “We sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives, those who have lost their livelihoods and property. This is very unfortunate.
“We are trying our best to engage specialists and the Air Force to support us in air dropping of relief items in areas that are not accessible.
“We have also established 44 shelters in 24 states and most of the victims affected have been evacuated onto higher planes.
“We have taken interventions to the most hit states, including Bayelsa and Jigawa, Delta, Anambra and other states affected by the floods and it is still ongoing. These are natural disasters and we pray that we don’t see this again.
“However, the government is up and doing in this regard.
“I am currently overseeing efforts in the response phase, including the activation of a national emergency operation centre and situation room that collates data, provides risk communication and coordinates the complimentary efforts of sister ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“Officials of our operational agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are in all states affected.”
Meanwhile, the ministry will partner the World Bank to conduct a post-disaster rapid impact assessment.
The minister, who announced this at the ministerial briefing, said that the post rapid impact assessment will use the Global Rapid post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE).
She said: “This exercise is intended to give an immediate understanding and estimation of the extent of damage and loss caused by the flood. This rapid estimation is needed because the physical Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) will take between 6 to 8 months.
“So, while we wait for the PDNA to be conducted, we can use the GRADE for planning and financial purposes. As GRADE has been found to be fairly accurate, the findings will guide programmes of recovery and flood prevention. We are keenly waiting for the result of the GRADE assessment on or before 2nd December, 2022.”
The minister also called on all
stakeholders and partners to work towards early recovery and stabilization of affected communities.
She said: “We have to also seek for durable solutions towards the return and resettlement of affected communities, continue to provide lifesaving emergency assistance and prevent the spread of diseases as well as consider food insecurity challenges that may arise.
“I would like to highlight the importance of coordination and partnership in national emergencies, which is the core objective and scope of the National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The flood plan was a directive issued by His Excellency, Mr. President, given his concerns of the experiences of floods in 2018 and 2020.
“The plan was developed by multiple stakeholders and all MDAs and it finally received approval of the Federal Executive Council in September, 2022.
“The Flood Plan is currently guiding our field operations and addressing any gap in coordination we have faced at the federal and sub-national levels.”
Hajiya Sadiya commended the locals, communities, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, UN agencies and donors for their support to Nigeria to cushion the disaster.
