The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced plans to train local divers in flood-prone communities on improved rescue operations. This initiative aims to enhance emergency response and save lives during flood disasters. NEMA's Head, Benin Operations Office, Kenoma Ojuederie, revealed this during a refresher training for emergency management stakeholders on urban search and rescue. The training seeks to achieve effective coordination and response during disaster management.
The refresher training brought together emergency stakeholders to enhance coordination during emergencies and upgrade the operational capabilities of participating agencies. The training also aimed to strengthen inter-agency operational readiness. According to Ojuederie, the agency will scale down the training to the grassroots level, as local people are usually the first responders in flood emergencies. This approach will enable them to respond effectively before external help arrives.
NEMA's initiative focuses on identifying local divers in flood-prone communities who are already involved in rescue operations during floods. The agency plans to train and improve their methods of rescuing people trapped in floodwaters. Ojuederie emphasized that the knowledge, skills, and strategic insights shared during the training will significantly strengthen the agency's joint response readiness and ultimately save lives when disasters strike.
Ojuederie charged the public to take note of early warning signs of rising floodwaters due to heavy rainfall. He assured that NEMA had achieved about 80 percent preparedness for emergency response. The agency's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of flood disasters and ensure timely response to emergencies. By doing so, NEMA seeks to reduce the risks associated with flood disasters.
The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA), Dr. Jerry Idahosa, described the training as timely and significant. He emphasized that search and rescue operations demand not only courage and commitment but also specialized knowledge, proper preparation, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety procedures. Idahosa's remarks underscored the importance of well-coordinated emergency response.
A resource person, Abu Jibrin of the Federal Fire Service, highlighted that effective emergency management relies on adequate preparation, proper equipment, teamwork, and good coordination. He noted that during disaster management, those injured, trapped, or in serious danger should be given priority attention over those who are not facing immediate threats. Jibrin's insights reinforced the need for a comprehensive approach to emergency management.
The refresher training included officials from EDOSEMA, the Federal Fire Service, Edo State Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police Force. The stakeholders' participation demonstrated the commitment of various agencies to collaborate and enhance emergency response. Key stakeholders converged to share knowledge and expertise, ultimately strengthening the nation's disaster response capabilities.
Key points
- NEMA to train local divers in flood-prone communities on improved rescue operations.
- The training aims to enhance coordination and response during flood emergencies.
- NEMA has achieved about 80 percent preparedness for emergency response.
