The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the capacity of emergency responders to deal with flooding and other disasters through its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) programme.
NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Innocent Nweze, disclosed this on Wednesday in Owerri at a refresher training on USAR operations organised for agency personnel and other critical stakeholders.
Nweze said the programme had become ‘very important’ because of the increasing complexity of urban environments and the growing threat posed by building collapses, landslides, explosions, industrial accidents, communal impasse and other emergencies.
He said the challenges confronting communities had been compounded by flooding in different parts of the country, making it necessary to have emergency teams that were properly trained, equipped and able to work together effectively.
‘These complexities, as well as the flooding in various communities across the country, required well-trained, properly equipped, and coordinated response teams.
‘USAR operations are among the most demanding emergency response activities.
‘They require specialised knowledge, appropriate equipment, teamwork, discipline, effective communication, and the ability to make timely decisions under extremely challenging conditions.
‘More importantly, USAR operations are about saving lives and reducing suffering when every minute matters,’ Nweze said.
He explained that the training was intended to improve the capacity of emergency responders while strengthening cooperation among the various agencies involved in disaster management.
According to him, it would also encourage the application of internationally recognised principles and good practices in search and rescue operations, particularly in urban areas.
Nweze commended NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Umar Zubaida, and the agency’s management for their support for the programme.
He also acknowledged the contributions of partner organisations towards facilitating its implementation.
The NEMA official urged participants to remain committed to developing competent and well-coordinated USAR teams capable of responding quickly and safely when emergencies occur.
‘Effective disaster management is a collective responsibility, and programmes, such as this, demonstrate the importance of collaboration in building resilient communities,’ Nweze said.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and National Inland Waterways Authority were represented at the training.
The programme featured a simulation exercise at the Otammiri River, where participants demonstrated procedures for rescuing a drowning person.