Flooding: We are ready, Lagos tells residents
The Lagos State Government at the weekend assured residents that all preparations to avert flooding disasters have been emplaced, saying there was no need for panic.
The Permanent Secretary (PS), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, gave the assurances at the flag-off of the state’s flood-free campaign at Alausa.
According to him, Lagos under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ensured all relevant stakeholders as well as flood prone communities have been incorporated in its action plan.
He noted the early warning by NiMET which listed Lagos among states that would be hit by flooding, adding that emergency simulations had since commenced, hotbed identified, desilting of drainages and other obstacles on flood channels cleared.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that the three relief camps in the state have also been prepared should there be need for evacuation of residents affected by flooding.
The Nation reports that the campaign commenced with an unscheduled visit to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) where the agency highlighted some of the steps it has taken in preparation for the rainy season.
The delegation proceeded to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and also visited the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where discussions were held on building resilient communities.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, risk analyses had been conducted, local emergency management response strategies have been activated.
The PS said that Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Apapa Alimosho and Amuwo Odofin local government have been identified as flood prone areas and emergency responders have been mobilised to these communities.
He commended LASEPA for its remarkable intervention towards protecting the environment, noting that the services LASEPA has rendered so far were also part of Lagos flood preparedness measures.
According to him, the state government is also ready for effective communication with the well equipped and manned command and control centre, as well as the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment for disaster response, emergency management and rescue.
Oke-Osanyintolu appealed to residents to abide by the environment laws so as not to undermine government’s efforts He maintained that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided ownership and the political will to managed emergency in the state.
“We need to thank the Governor for providing the working tools and support for the different emergency responders.
“We are well prepared for any form of eventuality. Under the leadership of Mr Governor, we have established an efficient and effective response system.
“Our Command and Control Centre now operates as a full-fledged agency, headed by a General Manager.
“The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring swift communication during emergencies.
“All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed.
“We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding,” he said.
He said the governor’s efforts have helped to reduce mortality and morbidity from all forms of disasters in the state, alluding to how Lagos has become a reference point for other states of the federation seeking to emplace a functional emergency management system.
In his remarks, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, assured that his agency would be more vigilante especially in the identified local governments.
“We will in turn reach out to these communities and let them understand that disaster management is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
The Nation reports that LASEMA also played host to a delegation from Ondo State led by Mr Wellington Adebanwo, Special Adviser to the governor on emergency management, who said his term were on a tour of LASEMA’s facilities as they seek to equip, modernize Ondo SEMA for effective and efficient service delivery.
