National Emergency Management Agency NEMA has been directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a national disaster to the ongoing flood currently ravaging some parts of the country.
The President in a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu gave a directive saying in the event the anticipated flood turns to a reality, the agency (NEMA)should declare a national disaster.
the statement reads:
President Muhammadu Buhari has delegated authority to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency,
Mustapha Maihaja, to declare a “national disaster’’ in the event that anticipated flooding turns a reality in parts of the country.
The President’s directive follows a warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012, which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
In a letter directed to the Director General of NEMA, President Muhammadu Buhari after the reports of floods along the River Benue and River Niger axis called on the agency and the military to join rescue efforts and relief materials distributed to affected areas.
According to Garba Shehu, and in continuation of his issued statement, said:
A letter to the Director of General of NEMA titled: “Situation Report on the River Flood Along the Banks of Rivers Benue and Niger’’, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, said:
A delegation of authority to the Director General of NEMA to activate the Disaster Response Units of the military for possible search and rescue missions, and
“The procurement and proportionate stocking of relief materials and health-related items up to N3billion to provide for the needs of possible victims.’’
The letter also instructed the head of the emergency agency to provide regular updates to the President.