The North-Central Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mohammed Abdulsalam, has advised journalists to be “extra careful’’ in reporting disasters so as not to worsen already bad situations.

“The press is a major stakeholder in the disaster management matrix, especially in risk reduction, control, mitigation and response. Journalists must manage such roles very well to help the society,’’ he said in Jos on Tuesday.

Abdulsalam told newsmen  that the action and inaction of the press had often exacerbated existing emergencies and generated fresh rounds of emergency.

“The media should strive never to create any excitement and an atmosphere which leads to panic, especially where there is cut-throat competition between various television channels and newspapers.

“It is desired that a balanced approach is taken to report situations. People should be provided with a true and balanced story of the disaster, its approach, impact as well as the relief arrangements and coping mechanisms.

“We expect the media to also avoid issuing warning signals unless it has been issued by the relevant authorities,’’ he said.

The NEMA official also advised that the media should work as partners with the agency, rather than playing the role of critics.

“There is the need to give some correct assessment and refrain from providing subjective interpretations that will lead to exaggerated news,’’ he said.

Abdulsalam said that NEMA would soon organise a workshop in Jos to examine the role of the media in the handling of the many disasters, some natural and others man-made, that had continued to ravage the North-Central lately.

“We want to see how the media can help in disseminating early warnings to communities at risk and also serve as watchdogs to the disaster tackling machinery.

“We shall also focus on how the media could prevent rumour mongering, support existing communication network and be critical partners in saving lives and properties,’’ he said.