By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja Operations Office, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of flood-ravaged communities in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State to determine the extent of damage and identify immediate humanitarian needs.
According to the agency, the assessment team also paid an advocacy visit to the Ohimege of Koton Karfe, Dr. Salihu Akawu Saidu, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and community stakeholders in responding to the impact of the flood disaster.
The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Emergency Management, Hon. Muhammed Shuaibu.
The team visited several affected communities, including Odaki, Ukwo, Kpokpozi and Bass B, where it assessed the impact of the flooding on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and other critical areas.
The exercise brought together officials from NEMA, KOSEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Programme (N-HYPERDEC).
NEMA said the collaborative assessment would provide accurate situation reports, improve coordination among emergency response agencies and support the delivery of appropriate interventions to communities affected by the disaster.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and humanitarian partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts across the country.
