Mr. Reuben Babatunde, NEMA Assistant Chief Planning Officer, Abuja Operation Office, gave the charge at a sensitization program for the residents of the community.
“We must all do everything possible to avert the dangers caused by flooding,” he said.
According to Babatunde, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have predicted a lot of rainfall, hence the need to sensitize the people to the dangers of a possible flood.
“Gwagwalada was among the towns in Abuja listed as being in danger. We don’t want what happened in 2012 to repeat itself where lives and properties were lost. There is a need for us to take precautions.
“We are here to sensitize you on what to do to guard against the flood. You must stop dumping refuse inside drainage. Those who have houses close to waterways must leave immediately to safer locations.
“The effect of the flood will not only affect the community but everybody because the flood is very devastating. Prevention is better than cure,” Babatunde said.
He also called on the leaders to enlighten the community on the need to adhere to Coronavirus protocols as directed by NEMA and FEMA personnel.
Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, FEMA Deputy Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, also advised the leaders of the community to involve town criers in information dissemination to save the community.
According to Wenegieme, NEMA and FEMA are doing their part because they are the first respondents to the emergency in the FCT.
“We are calling on the leaders to do their part and ensure that the information goes round.
“The heavy downpour is coming; the government does not want to lose any life in the same Gwagwalada and Giri communities.”
Wenegieme also spoke on the novel Coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic and stressed the need for the people to adhere to the preventive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Coronavirus is real; we must wash our hands regularly, use hand sanitizer and keep some distance away from our neighbors,” she said.
