The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has trained emergency responders in Imo on disaster preparedness and flood response.
Our correspondent reports that the five-day workshop began in Owerri, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo states, Mr Nnamdi Igwe, said that the workshop was imperative, given the rainy season and rising floods.
Igwe thanked the stakeholders for their role in supporting NEMA’s efforts to rally support for displaced persons.
He urged emergency responders to look out for early warning signs, and harped on the need for collaboration among stakeholders to tackle flooding, fire outbreaks and other emergencies head-on.
“ We must strive for timely targeted response and holistic information sharing to prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that help can come in time.
“ Also, harmonisation of data from responders is necessary to prevent conflict of information which may erode public trust and undermine our efforts “, he said.
He also called for improved accountability and transparency in handing emergency relief services for best results.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service in Imo, Mrs Chioma Onyeukwu, said that the Service is “ever ready for emergency response “.
Onyeukwu, an Assistant Superintendent of Fire, assured Imo people that emergencies will be met with immediate response in collaboration with other stakeholders.
“ Our scope of operations go beyond fire incidents, so we have trained personnel who are equipped to handle emergency operations including evacuation of flood victims.
“ Whenever there is an emergency, we will be here to deliver, in close cooperation with NEMA and other stakeholders “, she said.