Residents of Adamawa State have commended the quick response and effective relief materials given to communities affected by flood recently.
Weekend Trust reports that on July 27, a devastating flood claimed 29 lives, sacked some communities and destroyed houses, farmlands and other property in Yola South Local Government Area.
Some of the affected victims who spoke to our correspondent commended the state government’s quick response to victims of the flood and debunked social media claims of expired relief materials being distributed to them.
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A resident of Yolde Pate community of Yola South Local Government Area, Maimuna Garba, a divorcee with seven children, said the prompt intervention by the government had reduced their hardship, adding, “At least I have something to feed my kids with.”
Another flood victim, Malam Sani Audu, said the quick intervention of the state government had pacified and reduced the hardship the flood disaster brought upon the community.
“The quick intervention by the state government has brought hope, pacified me and reduced the hardship the disaster brought to the community,” he said.
Hajiya Halima Ali, a pregnant widow with two children, also expressed gratitude towards the relief materials she received. “I lost my husband some months ago, and since then, life has been very difficult. The relief materials given to me were like manna from heaven. I have something to feed my kids and myself in the meantime,” she said.
Reacting to the alleged expired relief food items, Dr Celine La’ori, the executive secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), dismissed the claim as a political mischief aimed at undermining government’s efforts.
She said the government deserved commendation and not condemnation, adding that the state is doing its best to cushion the effects of the flood on the affected communities.
Also, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr James Iliya, said the flood was an unfortunate event that required collective efforts and not a time for blame games.
He noted that the state government had been proactive in educating residents of flood-prone areas about the risks involved and necessary precautions even before the recent flooding that resulted in loss of lives and property.
“Government agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North-East Development Commission (NEDC), wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Bayelsa State Government and the BUA Group were among those who contributed items and monetary assistance to the victims through the state government.
“This development has been commended by the government as a move to help cushion the effects of the flooding. Their selfless efforts helped alleviate the suffering of the victims and facilitated the response efforts,” he said.
He noted that the unfortunate incident happened while people were sleeping, forcing victims to immediately leave their homes for safer places.
Mr Iliya said the deputy governor, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, was the first government official to reach the flood victims and mobilise rescue operations.
She identified a camp at a secondary school for victims and ensured that relief efforts were promptly initiated.
Her swift response and leadership played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the disaster.
She said the government immediately intervened by profiling victims for support and distributing relief items to them.
“This effort helped provide essential necessities to the victims and demonstrated government’s commitment to their wellbeing. Though a natural disaster, the government regrets the loss of lives and property resulting from the flooding,” she noted.
She quoted the governor as saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We acknowledge the plight of those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.
“To ensure effective and efficient distribution of relief assistance, the government will henceforth profile those coming forward to be assisted. This measure aims to prevent issues related to expired items and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.”
He assured that the Adamawa State Government would not abandon its responsibility to protect and serve the people.
He said, “We will continue to work tirelessly to address the needs of our citizens, particularly in times of crisis. We appreciate the support of individuals, organisations and agencies that have contributed to the relief efforts, and urge everyone to continue working together to rebuild and recover from this disaster.”