NEMA deploys new equipment for disaster management

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has received new equipment to aid in search-and-rescue efforts across the country.

The equipment, donated by Japan, was inducted in Abuja during the presentation of the NEMA 2020 annual report to Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs.

According to the agency, the equipment, which includes nine rescue vehicles and four mobile water purifier systems, will be distributed to NEMA offices in the six geopolitical zones.

The agency, however, explained that the water purifier vehicles will be stationed in Abuja and deployed to any part of the country whenever there is a need to provide emergency access to potable water for people in distress.

While presenting the annual report on Monday, Muhammadu Muhammadu, director-general of NEMA, said the agency produced flood maps for efficient response in 2020, and also distributed relief materials to persons affected by flood and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, in collaboration with UN-SPIDER and NASRDA, NEMA produced flood maps for efficient response. Advocacy visits were made to the 36 states and the disaster response units (DRUs) of the armed forces on flood preparedness, mitigation, and response,” he said.

“Assessment and distribution of relief materials to persons affected by crisis and flood disasters were carried out across the country. Additionally, assistance was given to persons affected by armed banditry, fire, rainstorm and windstorm to ameliorate their sufferings.

“The agency delivered humanitarian support for 148 incidents where assessments were carried out, approved and relief materials distributed to the affected persons.”

On her part, Umar Farouq commended NEMA for the presentation of the 2020 annual report within the specified timeframe.

She also expressed appreciation to the government and the people of Japan for the donation of the disaster risk reduction equipment.

The minister, however, charged NEMA to ensure effective deployment of the equipment in their service delivery.

“The importance of standard equipment in the conduct of critical search-and-rescue operations cannot be overemphasised. I hereby charge NEMA to accept and make judicious use of the equipment in effective service delivery to humanity,” she said.

Below are photos.