Rivers State Government has assured that it is better equipped to effectively manage the imminent flood and other risk disaster following this year’s prediction by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr Dickson Umunakwe gave the assurance at the end of a ten day training programme on “flood disaster risk management with changing climate” for stakeholders in flood disaster organized by the State in conjunction with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Speaking, the Deputy Executive Director Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Mr. Susith Arambepola said the State Government has demonstrated willingness to address the impact of the expected flood disaster. The communiqué, issued at the end of the workshop called for budgetary provision of funds for flood and other emergencies, the Establishment of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Local Emergency Committees (LEMA), as well as the Dredging/Embankment/Creation of more drainages and channels in the State among others. The event featured presentation of certificates to the participants and souvenirs to the resource persons.
