Flood: Edo to engage local divers, boats for rescue operations

Following predictions of looming heavy flooding, emergency response stakeholders in Edo State have unveiled a community-driven plan to minimise casualties, including the engagement of trained local divers and deployment of engine boats for swift evacuations. Mr Kenoma Ojuederie, Head of Operations Benin Operations Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), disclosed this in Benin at the […]

Following predictions of looming heavy flooding, emergency response stakeholders in Edo State have unveiled a community-driven plan to minimise casualties, including the engagement of trained local divers and deployment of engine boats for swift evacuations.

Mr Kenoma Ojuederie, Head of Operations Benin Operations Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), disclosed this in Benin at the end of a strategic meeting on Thursday.

The meeting brought together stakeholders comprising NEMA, Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Nigerian Army, Air Force, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo ministries of Health and Agriculture, National Orientation Agency, and the Federal Fire Service.

Ojuederie said the meeting was meant to map out coordinated actions ahead of the flood season.

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According to him, the proactive steps are designed to prevent a repeat of the tragic Mokwa incident, where unsuspecting residents were trapped by floodwaters in the night.

“We have agreed to engage local divers in flood-prone communities because they are the first responders on the ground. Some will be identified and trained not only in rescue but also in basic first aid. 

“In addition, engine boats will be used to ferry people to safety from areas inaccessible to vehicles,” the NEMA official explained.

He stressed that communities often face the brunt of disasters before government agencies arrive, making local capacity vital.

 

“When disasters strike, communities are the first affected. Our goal is to empower them to act immediately so that lives are not lost while waiting for outside help,” he added.

 

On his part, Mr Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, said the state had already set up local emergency committees to raise awareness in coastal areas, guiding residents on “when to move and how to move” once flood alerts are issued.

Idahosa revealed that food, drugs, toiletries, and other essential relief items have been stocked ahead of time.