Press statement
By Sani Datti , Head Media and Public Relations (NEMA).
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered relief assistance to over 1000 persons affected by windstorm disaster in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Presenting the items to the State Governor, the Director General of NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, commiserated with the state government and victims over the disaster which within a few minutes, affected over 869 houses and rendered many homeless. He assured them of the agency’s support to alleviate their suffering, adding that under his watch, victims of disasters will get assistance within 48 hours.
He said “Disasters are increasing in their frequency and magnitude and scientific evidence has shown that as a result of climate change, extreme weather events like flood , windstorm, drought and epidemics have become more frequent and severe. They may even occur in areas where they were previously unknown.”
He stressed that there is therefore the need for emergency preparedness and early warning mechanism at local levels, especially as disaster preparedness and mitigation are necessary for the sustainable growth of any society.
Receiving the items, the Governors, His Excellency Abubakar Atiku Bagudu thanked the agency for the relief assistance. He commended the agency for always collaborating with state emergency management agency. He added that the state had of recent witnessed various disaster ranging from flood, windstorm to Board mishaps.
Items presented include 200 bags of rice, 200 bags of maize and 200 bags of beans. Others include 300 blankets, 300 mosquito nets, 300 pieces of ceiling board, 300 mattresses, 300 bagsof cement, 300 bundles of roofing sheets, 50 packets of zinc nails and 50 bags of 3 inch nails.
It would recall that, last week in Maiyama LGA of Kebbi State windstorm affected over 1000 persons, destroyed houses and demaged public infrastructures which includes schools and hospitals while about 37 persons were injured with 8 persons had fractures.