Flood & Natural DisasterNewsFlood: FG, World Bank To Conduct Post Disaster Rapid Impact Assessment

https://www.westafricanpilotnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Farouk_Sadiya-Umar-04-1280x853.jpg

ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria is collaborating with the World Bank to conduct a post disaster rapid impact assessment of flooding across the country.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development announced this at a Ministerial briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

She said that the most rapid impact assessment will use the Global Rapid post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) and called on all stakeholders to work towards early recovery and stabilization of affected communities.

The Minister commended communities, civil society organizations, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, UN Agencies and donors for their support to Nigeria to cushion disaster.

“This exercise is intended to give an immediate understanding and estimation of the extent of damage and loss caused by the flood. This rapid estimation is needed because the physical Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) will take between 6 to 8 months. So while we wait for the PDNA to be conducted, we can use the GRADE for planning and financial purposes. As GRADE has been found to be fairly accurate, the findings will guide programs of recovery and flood prevention. We are keenly waiting for the result of the GRADE assessment on or before 2nd December, 2022.

“I would like to highlight the importance of coordination and partnership in national emergencies, which is the core objective and scope of the National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The Flood plan was a directive issued by Mr. President, given his concerns of the experiences of floods in 2018 and 2020. The plan was developed by multiple stakeholders and all MDAs and it finally received approval of the Federal Executive Council in September 2022.

“The Flood Plan is currently guiding our field operations and addressing any gap in coordination we have faced at the Federal and Sub-National levels,” she said.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq described the loss of lives, property and farmlands as colossal and unfortunate, again condoled with victims of the recent flood disaster in the country.

In another development, the Minister of agriculture and rural development Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar says the federal government is embarking on intensive dry season farming next month.

During the budget defense of the ministry before the House of Representatives committee on Agric institutions at the National Assembly, the minister said the step is to ensure that there is no food shortage in the country as a result of the flood disaster.

He said the government would assist farms with implements, improved seeds and inputs, while the flood water would also be utilized for the scheme.

In a remark, the chairman of the committee, Mr Mannir Dan’agundi, stated that the food security situation in Nigeria is compounded by climate-induced situations such as flood, drought, extreme temperatures and pests.

“Utilizing the flood water for dry season farming as planned by the ministry, would turn the disaster into a blessing by strengthening food security in the country,” Dan’agundi said.

Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com