FEMA ALERT FCT RESIDENTS ON FLOODINGS AS MAN DROWNS IN EFEB FLASH FLOOD.

The FCT emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has warned residents to desist from acts that lead to flooding in this rainy season. This warning is coming from the agency even as the body of one Mr. James Odeh aged 35 age has been recovered by the FEMA search and rescue team from a flooded river along Dogon-gada Area, near Efab Housing Estate, Lokogoma District.
It is belived that the victim was attempting to drive through the flooded water in the company of one Mr. Nsendoo Uketar aged 20yrs who has been rescued alive by the FEMA search and rescue team. The vehicle of the victim a Toyota Corola 2010 model was also rescued from the flooded river.
Saddened by unfortunate incident, the Director General (FEMA) Alh. Idriss Abbas advised residents to stay away from flooded water and avoid driving around flooded sites
According to the FEMA boss,
“Most people underestimate the strength of water and the danger it poses”
He then urged FCT residents to adopt attitudinal change as key to fighting disaster to the nearest minimum in the FCT.          Also reacting to the NIMET predictions that we should expect heavy rainfall this year which could lead to flooding, the FEMA DG appealed to residents to avoid unwholesome environmental practices especially the indiscriminate waste disposal and building on flood plain as these could block water ways and lead to flooding, he then called on community leaders, religions leaders, to be charged with the responsibility of sensitizing their subjects, especially those living close to flood planes to move to higher ground to avoid being washed away.
On mitigating steps being taken by the Agency to curb flooding disasters in the FCT, the FEMA DG said FEMA and some of its relevant stakeholders had earlier in the year embarked on assessment tour to all flooded prone areas in the FCT to identify flash points and to access areas of repairs and improvement. Alh. Idriss further stressed that all relevant Agencies have been on their toes after the assessment, disilting drainages, expanding narrow drainages, evacuating refuse and removing buildings on flood planes.
He added that as the lockdown is easing out, the Honorable Minister of the FCT Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello has directed all relevant Departments to continue work in the various flash points to mitigate more disaster. He revealed that work have since commenced in these areas including the Lokogoma area and called on residents to always compliment the efforts of the FCTA Administration by adhering to directives, sighting example with the Corona Virus pandemic where most people still don’t believe it exist and expose themselves to the virus despite Government directives.
While sympathizing with the family of the victims, Alh. Idriss assured residents that all hands will continue to be on deck to ensure that traits to lives  and properties occasioned by flood are reduced to the bearest minimum in the FCT and charged residents to always clear their gutters, sewer lines and water lines to ensure free flow of rain water.
He then urged residents to always call the 112 emergency toll free number in case of any emergency, as this will help FEMA respond faster. According to him, it is only through prompt response that effective disaster management can be achieved.   (PR)