By Kelvin Ohoror
The Isoko South Local Government Council officially launched a high-level committee in Oleh on Monday, tasked with developing a local emergency committee to enhance preparedness and response planning, aiming to effectively mitigate flooding across the local government area.
During the inauguration, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, stated that reports from the State National Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the multi-faceted nature of disasters prompted the establishment of the committee.
“It is well-known that the rainy season is imminent and Isoko South remains susceptible to flooding due to its geographical proximity to the River Niger, with tributaries connecting to these rivers.
“To prevent unforeseen disruptions, it is essential that requisite measures be implemented to mitigate substantial losses.
“For us as a proactive government, the creation of a Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) becomes necessary, as it is operated at the federal and state levels,” he added.
The agency will provide rapid response to natural disasters in Isoko South, collaborating with the state SEMA to address any of such incidents.
As an agency, it is responsible for issuing timely alerts to communities susceptible to flooding via media channels, identifying flash flood-prone areas and neighborhoods adjacent to overflowing rivers.
The appointees comprise Hon. Zino Osuofa, Chairman; Dr. Ighomore Hope; Mr. Nwokolo Emmanuel; Mrs. Alex Omuh Eloho; Victor Amere; and Mrs. Evroro Emuobo, alongside Francis Othameta, Akpodhoma Michael, and Anthony Egodi as Secretary, in addition to Ighokido Saturday, DSP Ewende, Rev. Ferguson Idike, and Patrick Obegba.
