NEMA Donates Relief Materials To The Victims Of Windstorm Disaster In Ebonyi

Posted by African Examiner Ebonyi, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara, Abakaliki

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has handed over assorted lorry load of relief items to victims of torrent rain/wind storm disaster in Uburu, Ohaozara Council Area of Ebonyi state.

The Council area which is the home town of Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and incumbent Governor, David Umahi was adversely affected in May this year. The disaster affected both residential and commercial buildings, as their roofs were completely blown off.

Earlier, assessment of the disaster by NEMA officials revealed that huge trees fell on residential buildings, leading to displacement of residents and loss of their means of livelihood.

Handing over the relief materials to Ebonyi state government for onward distribution to the victims Tuesday, at Uburu, Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammad Sani Sidi, sympathized with the affected persons, stating that the gesture was aimed at alleviating the effect of the incident.

The NEMA boss, who spoke through the South east zonal coordinator of the agency, Major James Eze, said the organization intervened because the affected victims did not have the capacity to rebuild their houses or restart their businesses.

He said: “please note that the relief materials brought to you today is not to replace what you lost during the violent wind storm, but to cushion the effect of the unfortunate incident”

“We advise that the Uburu residents should plant trees to ring the community that would act as wind breakers, huge trees near buildings that have become risks should be cut to save lives and property”

“Shrubs should also be planted near houses and not trees” adding that such practice will reduce the effects of violent winds and equally act as a disaster risk reduction scheme.

Receiving the items, on behalf of the state government, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi state Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Pastor Ken. Ozioma, had expressed appreciation to the Federal government for the kind gesture.

Some of the donated items included, 200 bags of rice, beans, Garri, grand nut, palm oil, cloths, blankets, detergents, various building materials, amongst others.