The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off the distribution of relief materials to victims of the 2019 flood water in Anambra State.
The materials distributed include edibles like rice, beans, corn, and non-edible items such as soap, buckets, blankets and mosquito nets.
The ceremony, which took place at Fr. Joseph Memorial School Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, was attended by members of communities affected by the disaster, including those in Ayamelum, Awka North, Ihiala, Ogbaru, Anambra East and Anambra West LGAs.
Fed Anusim, Southeast zonal coordinator of NEMA, who was represented by Eyiuche Aniagor, assistant coordinator, noted that the materials were brought by the Federal Government through NEMA after a joint assessment with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
“In 2019, SEMA and NEMA carried out assessment visits to affected communities across the state, after which recommendations were made leading to bringing of these relief materials,” Anusim said.
“These relief items were not equal to what was lost in the disaster, but it is to cushion the effect of the disaster to affected persons, as it will help them to keep body and soul together,” he said.
Noting that flood to the people in the communities was perennial as they were living in coastal areas, Anusim urged them to always be prepared against any flood predictions.
Paul Odenigbo, executive secretary, SEMA, said the items from NEMA were to sympathise with 2019 flood victims in the state.
“These items are not compensation, but to assist you to keep going as a result of the damage suffered in last year’s flood disaster,” he said.
Benjamin Onyebor, chairman, Ayamelum LGA, expressed gratitude to the state and Federal Government for their readiness to always come to the aid of the people, especially in situations like this.
“Last year we were devastated by the flood but today we are smiling as a result of the aid provided by NEMA through SEMA,” he said.
President-General, Umumboh Community in Ayamelum LGA, while praising NEMA and SEMA, noted that the materials would go a long way to provide relief to victims.
