Taraba Intensifies Flood Surveillance, Relief Operations In Vulnerable Communities

The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) has intensified flood surveillance, community sensitisation and relief operations across vulnerable communities as part of efforts to reduce the impact of disasters in the state.

The Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr. Echuseh Audu, disclosed this while reviewing the agency’s recent interventions in flood-prone and disaster-affected communities, including Mbaso in Titong Ward, Sardauna Local Government Area, and Gomu in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.

Audu said the agency had combined early-warning sensitisation with on-the-spot assessments and the distribution of relief materials to affected households to strengthen disaster preparedness and provide timely assistance to victims.

She said TSEMA recently assessed flood-affected communities in Mbaso and distributed relief materials to households impacted by the disaster.

According to her, the intervention was aimed at providing immediate succour to affected residents and supporting their efforts to restore their livelihoods.

Representing the executive secretary during the intervention, TSEMA director of administration, Mr. Sani Maisukwati, conveyed Governor Agbu Kefas’ sympathy to the victims and assured them of the state government’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to communities affected by disasters.

Maisukwati also led the sensitisation exercise, during which residents were educated on the dangers of flooding and preventive measures to take before disasters occur.

Audu said TSEMA had intensified its flood-risk awareness campaign across vulnerable communities, with officials educating residents on early-warning signals, personal safety measures and the need to relocate from high-risk areas when necessary.

She urged residents to take early-warning information seriously, avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels and work closely with Local Emergency Management Committees to protect lives and property.

The TSEMA boss stressed that effective disaster management required the cooperation of communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders, particularly in the timely dissemination of emergency information.

She further disclosed that the agency had distributed relief materials to victims of the recent communal clash in Gomu, Karim-Lamido, as part of efforts to provide immediate assistance and support recovery.

Audu said the intervention reflected the commitment of the Taraba State Government to protecting lives and property while ensuring that vulnerable residents affected by disasters and conflicts received timely support.

She reaffirmed TSEMA’s readiness to sustain collaboration with local authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to monitor vulnerable areas, strengthen early-warning mechanisms and ensure rapid response to emergencies.

She added that the agency would continue expanding its flood sensitisation campaign to other vulnerable communities across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency management authorities throughout the rainy season.

The village head of Mbaso, Jauro Idi, commended Governor Kefas and TSEMA for the swift intervention, saying the relief materials would help cushion the hardship faced by affected families.