By Nkechi Eze
As Harmattan’s dry and dusty winds approach, posing health risks and severe weather conditions, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is proactively working to bolster community preparedness and resilience nationwide, mitigating the impacts of respiratory issues, eye irritations, and strong gusts already affecting some regions.
The Harmattan season, lasting from November to March, poses significant challenges: dusty air worsens respiratory health, impairs visibility, and undermines agricultural productivity, ultimately impacting the well-being of vulnerable communities.
NEMA’s comprehensive approach to disaster management encompasses commitment to mitigating the impact of the Harmattan through a multi-pronged Sensitization, taking it to the 774 Local Government Areas and grassroots level. The campaign aims at empowering communities through education, launching public awareness campaigns like the Take it to the Public Awareness Campaign to educate citizens about the risks associated with the Harmattan and the necessary safety measures.
Specific areas to be achieved include fostering Collaboration with the Agency , partnering with local leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure that vital information and resources reach vulnerable populations.
Preparing for Harmattan requires a combination of self-care, home maintenance, and staying informed.
Some tips to help navigate the season include:
Protect Your Health: Wear face masks when outdoors to prevent dust inhalation, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions
Hydrate and Moisturize: Drink plenty of fluids especially water and use moisturizers to combat dry skin.
Clean and Seal Your Home: Regularly clean your home and seal doors and windows to minimize dust accumulation.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by authorities like NEMA.
Additionally, NEMA emphasizes the importance of training healthcare workers on Harmattan-related illnesses to promote preventative care and minimize the health burden on communities.
To further boost your resilience during Harmattan, these can also be considered:
Build Community Resilience: Support local communities in harnessing resources and expertise to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Foster a Culture of Preparedness: Encourage individuals and communities to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of Harmattan.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges of Harmattan and contribute to a more resilient community.
Emergency Response
In the event of extreme windstorms or health emergencies, which can’t be handled by the affected state level, National Emergency Management Agency effectively, provide emergency relief, mobilizing resources, and deploying personnel to assist affected communities.
Together, We Can Weather the Storm.
NEMA is dedicated to safeguarding lives, promoting health, and minimizing the disruption caused by the Harmattan season, and other related Natural & man-made disasters By working together as individuals, communities, and government agencies, we can build a more resilient Nigeria, capable of weathering these natural challenges and protecting the well-being of all citizens.
