IDDRR : FEMA To Intensify Sensitization on Disaster Risk Reduction in FCT
By Aluta News
October 12, 2023
The FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA says it will sustain and intensity Sensitization of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Territory particularly in the communities to mitigate the impact of disasters.
The Acting Director General of the Agency,Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo stated this in a statement to mark the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), in Abuja.
Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo said that through Sensitization,” we can ensure that those exposed to disasters and hazards are able to better anticipate, survive and recover. Our goal is to prevent new risks”.
He described the theme of IDDRR 2023 ” Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future as apt because it aligns with the Sendai Frame work of 2015- 2023 which is an international agreement to prevent and reduce losses of lives , livelihoods, economies and basic infrastructure.
The Acting Director General noted that unequal access to services such as finance and insurance leaves the vulnerable at risk to the dangers of disasters,adding that disaster impacts push the vulnerable further into poverty.
He noted that the Agency through the Director Forecasting Response and Mitigation,Mrs Florence Wenegieme had embarked on a Sensitization drive to the six area councils of the FCT, engaging traditional rulers,women leaders,youth leaders and other interest groups on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Sabo emphasized that when disasters occur, priority must be accorded to the aged, pregnant women and persons living with disabilities.
” We are working with stake holders like the Christian Blind Mission and the Survive Fistula Foundation to get the message to the vulnerable groups in the community”
He informed that FEMA through its volunteers, vanguards, town criers and emergency Marshalls would intensity Sensitization of residents relying on early warning to reduce the size and frequency of disasters.
He appealed to resident to always heed to the early warnings by the Agency and to desist from acts which could potentially harm the environment.
Ibrahim Sabo urged residents to always use the 112 toll free emergency number in the event of a disaster.
The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13 the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.