Environment
SEMA Assesses Damage By Hailstorm, Promises Intervention
The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) recently assessed farms destroyed by hailstorm in parts of Bassa Local Government Area and promised to assist the victims.
The disaster which hit the areas recently destroyed several farms including a large soya beans farm belonging to the Plateau Commissioner for Works, Mr Chris Hassan.
The Tide correspondent, who was part of the inspection team, reports that crops affected by the storm included maize, soya beans, carrots, tomatoes and cabbages among others.
The hailstorm, accompanied by rainstorm, also blew off roofs of many houses including a residential quarter at ECWA Theological College, Zabolo.
SEMA Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Bintan Wuyep, who led the assessment team, told The Tide that its mission was to assess the level of damage.
“We are here to get an on-the-spot assessment of the level of damage caused by the storm and will report the situation to government for intervention.
“The situation is very devastating. It is sad that crops that are close to maturity were destroyed by the disaster,’’ he said.
Mr Andrew Iza, the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area, who received the SEMA team, described the disaster as “very serious’’.
Iza thanked SEMA for the visit and expressed the hope that something would be done “urgently’’ to assist the people.
The District Head of Miango, Chief Daniel Chiega, in his remarks, said that the disaster had brought “great sorrow’’ to his people.
Chiega said the storm had destroyed crops spanning seven kilometers and urged the concerned authorities to assist the victims.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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