. Directs NEMA to supply food, medical supplies
. Senate demands ecological fund release as erosion, landslides ravage C/River
. Disaster averted as falling tanker dumps 33,000-litre ethanol in Lagos
Worried by the havoc caused by erosion in parts of the South East geopolitical,Senate on wednesday called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the flood and erosion-ravaged communities in Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and other states.
The resolution followed motions moved Wednesday by Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) and Osita Izunaso (Imo West) on devastating floods, gully erosion, loss of lives, destruction of homes and farmlands, and displacement of residents in the affected communities across the states.
The upper chamber urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials, including food, medical supplies and other essentials to affected communities.
It also urged the Ministries of Works, and Environment to assess damaged roads, restore access routes and implement sustainable flood and erosion control measures.
Presenting the motion, Senator Umeh said communities in Ogidi, Obosi and Oko areas of Anambra Central Senatorial District face severe environmental and humanitarian crises caused by heavy rainfall, which destroyed homes, farmlands and infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods.
He said at least four persons, including a pregnant woman and a six-year-old child, had died, while several families were displaced.
The lawmaker warned that expanding gullies threaten residential areas and critical infrastructure, including sections of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
Contributing, Senator Ani said floods in Ebonyi South Senatorial District destroyed homes, valuables, crops and livestock, worsening hardship, urging NEMA to provide humanitarian aid and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assess losses and provide emergency support.
Also, Senator Izunaso said flooding and erosion continue to threaten communities in Imo West Senatorial District, a problem he first raised in 2023.
He listed affected communities and roads, noting destruction of homes, businesses, farmlands and roads, and creating hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
Adopting the prayers, the Senate mandated relevant ministries and agencies to assess affected areas and implement emergency and long-term interventions, including ecological projects for Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and other affected states.
It mandated its Committees on Environment, Works, Ecology and Climate Change to conduct on-the-spot assessments and report back within one month.
Meanwhile, disaster was averted after a truck conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at the Second Rainbow Bridge in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday, adding that no casualties were recorded in the incident.
According to the PS, the tanker, a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC, fell while its driver was attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated that preliminary investigation attributed the incident to speeding, which caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall on the roundabout, blocking the entire stretch.
He stated, “Recognising the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the imminent risk of fire and explosion, the Eagle Response Team, in collaboration with other responders, immediately cordoned off the area and activated crowd and traffic control measures.”
He added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and the surrounding area to suppress fumes and prevent a secondary incident.
He noted that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority assisted in securing the scene and managing traffic.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated, “Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded.”
In a separate incident, the PS said the agency’s Tiger Response Team from C3 rescued traffic movement at Oke Koto, Agege, after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck.
The incident, which was attributed to reckless driving, obstructed vehicular movement and prompted the deployment of the agency’s response team in collaboration with LASTMA.
He stated that its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, was deployed to remove the truck, which was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that the road had been reopened to traffic, adding that no death or injury was recorded in the incident.
He commended emergency responders for their swift intervention and urged motorists to observe speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy and hazardous materials.
The permanent secretary also urged residents to report emergencies through the agency’s toll-free lines, 767 and 112.
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