3 months ago
6
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has underscored the place of collaboration in preventing and managing flood incidents in Lagos State
The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, OluwafemiOke-Osanyintolu, stated this at a one day workshop on harnessing proper waste management and flood response mechanism organised jointly by NEMA and the LASEMA for stakeholders and emergency responders.
Oke-Osanyintolu, said that despite the huge investment of the state government in emergency management, improper waste disposal has been a major problem responsible for the constant flooding in the state.
He added that flooding has become a major unavoidable disaster in Lagos State, posing serious threats and damage to the livelihood and sustainability of most of the important settlements and communities in the state.
He said this necessitated the need to brainstorm on new ways to tackle flood by embracing proper waste management and implement practical flood response mechanisms and technologies in flood prevention, which the state government can embrace.
“The agency as part of its Pre-Flood preparations has established monitoring stations to detect rising water levels and issue timely warnings as part of its Early Warning Systems, part of which is the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans, while raising awareness about flood risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures through incessant Public Education.
“As part of preparedness, Evacuation and Safe relocation of victims from high-risk areas to designated shelter are a major part of the plans, deployment of trained Search and Rescue teams to assist stranded individuals with Medical Response teams to provide emergency medical care and first aid at our camps at our Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) located at Agbowa and Igando.
“It is undeniable that as a state, we need to develop a comprehensive flood response framework that promotes flood insurance and risk transfer mechanisms, supports research and development of new flood mitigation technologies and adoption of a holistic approach, Lagos can further reduce flood risk and protect its residents, economy, and infrastructure for sustainable development.”
The Director General of NEMA, MrsZubaidaUmar, said that Lagos State has experienced series of flood disasters and health challenges as a result of improper waste management.
She added that proper waste management and flood preparedness are essential for the well being of the communities in the light of increasing challenges posed by improper waste disposal and the impact of flood on communities.
“In past records, it was observed that improper waste disposal had triggered flood disasters as well as adverse health consequences which led to damages of property worth millions of naira and several loss of lives.”
English (US) ·