NEMA Moves To Tackle Flooding Through USAR Programme

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is taking proactive steps to tackle flooding through its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) programme.

NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Innocent Nweze, said this on Wednesday in Owerri, during a refresher training on the USAR programme, organised for staff members and critical stakeholders.

Nweze described the programme as “very important”, given the increasing complexity of urban environments and the growing risk of building collapse, landslides, explosions, industrial accidents, communal impasse and other urban emergencies.

He said that “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.