FIC Report (Imo State) – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Owerri Operations Office, in a joint effort with the Imo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has conducted an assessment of the damage caused by windstorm and gully erosion in parts of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
The joint assessment, carried out recently, was led by Mr. Innocent Nweze and covered Osuru Umukabia and Amaimo Umukabia communities, where residents suffered losses as a result of the environmental and physical disasters.
The assessment was undertaken to ascertain the extent of the damage, evaluate the impact on affected residents and identify their immediate humanitarian needs.
The team observed varying levels of damage to residential buildings, farmlands, roads, businesses and other properties, with the incidents significantly disrupting the daily activities of residents and economic indulgences for livelihood.
According to the findings, gully erosion had affected sections of the communities, posing threats to homes, farmlands, roads and other critical infrastructure, while the windstorm damaged several residential buildings, roofs and other properties.
During the exercise, the assessment team interacted with affected residents and community representatives to get firsthand accounts of the incidents, the extent of losses and the challenges facing the affected population.
NEMA noted that the information gathered during the assessment would form the basis for consideration of appropriate intervention measures, subject to the necessary approvals and availability of resources.
The team also communicated the sympathies of the Federal Government and the Director General of the Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, to the affected residents, promising them of NEMA’s resolve to supporting disaster-affected communities through timely humanitarian assistance.
The joint exercise also underscored the importance of continued collaboration among NEMA, Imo SEMA, the Imo State Government, Ehime Mbano Local Government Council, community leaders and other stakeholders towards addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected communities and reducing the risks of further disasters in the future.
Akushie Chioma Mark Helen
HOC FIC OWERRI.
5/08/2026.
