SEMA begins relief materials distribution to flood victims

By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)on Tuesday began distribution of relief materials to flood victims.

The materials, which were supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will be distributed to victims of the natural disaster in the first phase of the exercise in four flood-prone local governments, namely Agatu, Guma, Makurdi and Otukpo.

Speaking during the distribution, SEMA Executive Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Shior said the essence of the distribution was to give succour to victims.

He said the state witnessed perennial flooding, which rendered many homeless.

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He advised people living near flood- prone areas to adhere to early warnings by SEMA.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NEMA, AVM Muhammadu Mohammed rtd, the North Central Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Eugene Lalong, said NEMA had carried out impact assessment and enumeration of high risk areas of the state, noting that the distribution was part of the first phase exercise aimed at ameliorating the negative effects of the disaster.

He said the agency would monitor the distribution to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

Lalong urged the people to be conscious and be prepared to avert further flood disaster in the years ahead.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, George Alli, thanked NEMA for the supply of the relief materials, promising that the items would be distributed to the victims.

Items distributed included building materials, food items and clothes.