The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised tbe grassroots people in a bid to mitigate the adverse effect of flood disaster in Ekiti State.
The fibe-day programme began with sensitization and awareness campaign.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, the NEMA Director General in her address stated that flood disaster in recent times has claimed several lives and as well destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.
Umar who was represented by Dr Kofoworola Soleye, the Head of NEMA Ekiti Operations Office noted that despite ongoing response efforts, many communities remained unaware of basic preparedness measures and response strategies as regards flood disasters.
“It is necessary to organize the Grassroot Emergency Preparedness and Awareness Drive (NEMA-GEPAD).
“It is a community-focused, high impact sensitization programme which would prioritize direct communities engagement, advocacy and practical demonstrations,” Umar said.
She also said that the programme would ensuring that people at the grassroot level understands their exposure to hazards, safety measures and how to respond effectively to emergencies.
As part of the line up of activities, Stakeholders Advocacy and Engagements were conducted to various relevant stakeholders to advocate for their involvement in the awareness campaigns through their various activities and programs to ensure a wider reach to the grassroots.
Some identified flood high risk Local Government Areas were visited in order to sensitize the residents about the dangers of flood, evacuation techniques during emergencies and most especially they were advised to temporarily relocate to higher grounds once they noticed that water level is rising sporadically.
Also markets, schools and traditional rulers platforms were also utilized to cascade the information to their followers through their various meetings and sermons .
