Flood: Benue SEMA seeks collaboration with humanitarian partners

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has called for a collaborative efforts with humanitarian partners in view of the huge devastation cause by flooding in Benue communities.

The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior made the call during the Monthly Stakeholders Coordination Meeting on Flood at SEMA Headquarters in Makurdi today, 28th September, 2022.

Addressing the stakeholders, Dr. Shior on behalf of His Excellency Governor Samuel Ortom,the Chairman of the Agency, thanked the stakeholders for turning up in their numbers for the meeting, that the excesses is to help share the humanitarian challenge caused by flooding and to inform them of SEMA’S interventions so far.

He said the affected persons including men,women and children who have been displaced by flood occasioned by heavy rainfall and the release of water from Lagdo Dam, and are currently taken shelters in the host communities.

He said from the damage assessment exercise conducted by SEMA indicated that farmlands and homes have been submerged, and thousands displaced.

He stated that the Local Government Areas mostly affected are Agatu, Guma and Makurdi while others like Katsina-Ala, Gbako, Apa, Otukpo, Tarkaa, Logo, Vandi-kya and Gwer West have also been affected.

“This has prompted SEMA to conduct rapid independent assessment to ascertain the actual level of displaced persons and properties damage.

“They are now in need of shelter kits, mats, blankets and food items,” he said.

Dr. Shior applauded Governor Samuel Ortom’s government, described him as responsible and responsive for quickly mobilizing SEMA with food intervention, which currently distribution of food to flood victims is on going.

He appreciated the efforts of the humanitarian Agencies in the state for their support at all times, also calling on them to assist in getting off the huge challenge caused by flood in the state.

In their separate remarks, speakers from various humanitarian Agencies resolved to key into a rapid response plan that will be targeted in five thematics areas which includes protection, health, risk sensitisation and communication, shelter and livelihoods.

They all appreciate SEMA for providing enabling environment with accurate data and response plan for humanitarian partners to strive.

The meeting was largely attended by international and domestic NGOs, line Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Media, security agencies, NEMA among others.

Charity Agber
Information Officer,
Benue SEMA.