ABUJA/Nigeria: Disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving devastation and vulnerability in their wake. In response, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is advocating for robust disaster management structures at the community level to mitigate the impact of such calamities.
Under the leadership of Director-General Mustapha Ahmed Habib, NEMA is a vocal advocate for this grassroots approach, particularly in light of the predicted flood threats for the 2023 rainy season. Community-level disaster management empowers local residents to take ownership of their safety.
By fostering cooperation among neighbors, first responders, and local authorities, these structures create a cohesive network that can respond swiftly and efficiently during emergencies. This approach enables rapid assessments of needs, effective resource distribution, and timely evacuation plans, thereby minimizing loss of life and property damage.
Moreover, community-level disaster management encourages preparedness and resilience. With access to information and training, residents can proactively plan for potential hazards specific to their area. This ensures that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or disabled, are not overlooked during emergencies.
Speaking at a recent program titled “Downscaling of Disaster Early Warning Measures to The Grassroots for Effective Life Saving Early Actions During 2023 Rainy Season,” organized by NEMA in collaboration with the Kano State Government, Director-General Mustapha Ahmed Habib emphasized the growing rate of occurrence and intensity of both human and nature-induced disasters in Nigeria.
Most of these disasters, often hydro-meteorological in nature, are exacerbated by climate change and variability. Among them, recurrent flood disasters have proven predictable yet devastating, imposing significant human and material costs.
As NEMA shifts towards Disaster Risk Reduction and decentralized Disaster Risk Management, Director-General Habib underscores the importance of supporting sub-national actors, including states, local governments, and communities, in taking charge of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
Scientific information, in the form of impact-based predictions and disaster risk mapping, forms the cornerstone of this paradigm shift. This approach not only improves immediate disaster response but also encourages sustainable development. Integrating disaster resilience into urban planning, infrastructure, and zoning regulations enhances cities’ ability to withstand future disasters, curbing economic losses and human suffering.
While government agencies remain pivotal in disaster management, Director-General Mustapha Ahmed Habib’s bottom-up approach fortifies the entire disaster response framework. He highlights the diverse categories of disasters, emphasizing the need for credible information and well-developed plans at the grassroots level.
“Disasters are all local,” he notes, “they happen in particular communities in specific Local Government Areas. The first lifesaving responders are always local before additional support arrives from the state capital or Abuja.”
By bolstering Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) with training, funding, and equipment, NEMA aims to promote community-level disaster risk management. This, in turn, cultivates safe and resilient communities, contributing to a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
These efforts not only foster a sense of collective responsibility but also empower individuals, ultimately leading to lives saved. As climate-related threats intensify, embracing this imperative is not just an option but a necessity for building a safer and more resilient future.