By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru