Tag: NEMA

NEMA, SEMA, FIRE SERVICE LEAD RESCUE OPERATIONS AT AMAOKPALA BUILDING COLLAPSE SITE

By Chinyere Nwoye

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Anambra State Fire Service are leading coordinated search and rescue operations following the collapse of a three-storey building at Elite Five Star Lodge, Amaokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area.

The incident occurred late in the night of July 26, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble and prompting the immediate deployment of emergency response teams to the scene.

The Head of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, is coordinating the federal agency’s response at the site. She is working alongside the Deputy Director of SEMA and senior officers of the Anambra State Fire Service as rescue teams continue efforts to locate and extract victims from the debris.

The Deputy Director of SEMA has appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with emergency responders. He urged people to avoid actions that could disrupt or endanger the ongoing rescue operation.

Security has also been reinforced at the collapse site. The Anambra State Police-led Joint Security Team swiftly cordoned off the area after receiving the distress call and is working closely with NEMA, SEMA, the Fire Service, and other relevant agencies to ensure a safe and effective emergency response.

Officials from the State Physical Planning Department, the Mayor of Orumba North LGA, and other emergency responders are also on ground. They are providing technical support, assessing the structural integrity of the site, and ensuring the safety of both rescue personnel and residents in the surrounding area.

As of press time, rescue operations were still ongoing. Teams equipped with specialized tools were combing through the collapsed structure in search of possible survivors still trapped under the rubble.

Authorities said the exact number of casualties and those trapped has not yet been confirmed. However, some injured victims have been pulled from the debris and rushed to a hospital in Oko for medical treatment.

NEMA, SEMA and the Anambra State Fire Service have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the rescue operation until every possible victim is accounted for.

The agencies also urged the public to rely only on official updates from responding authorities and to avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.

Chinyere Nwoye Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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NEMA, SEMA ASSESS ONITSHA BUILDING MATERIALS MARKET FIRE DISASTER

By Chinyere Nwoye

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), alongside the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, embarked on an assessment tour following a devastating fire outbreak at the Onitsha Urban Building Materials Traders Association Market in Anambra State.

The assessment team, led by Mr. Kingsley Okolo from NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, said the Agency responded promptly after receiving a distress call about the incident.

According to him, the team was deployed to evaluate the extent of damage and report back to Abuja for necessary intervention.

“We came immediately we got information about the fire outbreak. Our mission is to assess the level of damage and report back to Abuja.

“The Director-General, NEMA commiserates with the victims; We thank God that no life was lost. We are here on a joint assessment with relevant stakeholders to determine how both the federal and state governments can assist.”

The Chairman of the market, Chief Victor Chikodili Ejiofor, expressed appreciation to the Agencies for their swift response, describing the incident as unprecedented.

“I have never seen anything like this before. The fire raged for three days,” he said.

He noted that officials of the Anambra State Fire Service were on ground during the incident, making efforts to contain the flames and prevent further spread.

Ejiofor explained that goods worth billions of naira were destroyed, with about 157 traders displaced as a result of the inferno. He appealed to both federal and state governments for urgent assistance.

“Most of the affected persons are still in shock. We are pleading with the government to support us in any way possible,” he added.

One of the victims, Mr. Okechukwu Izuakor, who deals in executive bathroom accessories, said he lost goods worth over N25 million in the fire.

“I rushed to the market when I was called, but the fire was already out of control. I couldn’t salvage anything,” he lamented, urging emergency agencies to come to their aid.

The cause of the fire was suspected to be an electrical surge.

Chinyere is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NEMA SENSITIZES ANAMBRA WEST RESIDENTS ON FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

By Felix Igboanugo :

To mitigate the devastating effects of flooding in Anambra West, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a sensitization campaign to educate residents on essential flood preparedness measures.

The sensitisation campaign was in response to the recent flooding incidents that affected almost all community in the local council. It was held in collaboration with the Anambra West Local Government Council, aimed at educating residents on the importance of being prepared for potential flooding.

Speaking at the event held at the local council headquarters, Nzam, the leader of the team, and South East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu highlighted the need for residents to be proactive and prepared for any flood disaster that may arise.

She emphasized the role of community involvement in flood management and urged residents to work together to identify safe evacuation routes and establish early warning systems.

Mrs Echeazu advised residents to clear drainages and water channels to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding, assuring residents that NEMA would work closely with the local government to ensure a prompt response in the event of a flood disaster.

She also appealed to residents to take the sensitization seriously and apply the knowledge gained to protect themselves.

Earlier in his remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West LGA, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor, commended NEMA and SEMA for their efforts in sensitizing the residents and providing them with necessary guidelines on flood preparedness.

He narrated how flood has adversely affected ndi Anambra West, with properties and farm produce worth millions lost in it almost every year, saying that with the sensitisation, ndi Anambra West would be more prepared and more equipped to face the looming danger.

Mr Nnazor therefore appealed to various stakeholders and residents to take the campaign seriously and implement the measures therein.

Some of residents who spoke to information officer promised to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety in the event of a flood. They also pledged to work together with relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response to any emergency.

* Igboanugo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *