22nd July, 2023
By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it has placed its search and rescue team on high alert to ensure a quick and effective emergency response ahead of heavy rainfall expected on Sunday.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), had in a forecast, indicated that FCT and its neighbouring states would experience heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday.
NiMet also also predicted moderate to heavy rains in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba states.
The Director-General of the Agency of FEMA, Dr Abbas Idriss, in a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Ms Nkechi Isah, in Abuja on Friday noted that NiMET also warned of possible flash floods, riverine flooding, strong winds, and soil erosion as well as thunder and lightning due to the anticipated heavy downpour.
“The forecast also anticipates displacement of people due to floods, outbreak of water borne diseases and damages to infrastructure,” he said.
To ensure a quick and effective emergency response, Idriss said that the agency had placed its search and rescue team on high alert.
The D-G said that he had equally directed an update of the agency’s flood contingency plans to ensure maximum results.
He appealed to residents to heed to the early warning and avoid driving or wading into a pool of water during the rains.
He also said that all blocked drains should be cleared, and advised people who reside on water channels to relocate.
“I advise residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency, to enable us to respond on time,” he said.
(NAN)