20th July, 2014
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Saturday promised Federal Government’s financial assistance to victims’ of Sunday’s flood disaster in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo.
The Assistant Zonal Coordinator, South-South of NEMA, Godwin Tepikor, made the promise when he inspected the affected areas.
NAN reports that the Sunday, 13 July flood, claimed three lives whiles over 170 houses were also destroyed. The zonal coordinator was accompanied on the assessment visit by the Sen. Domingo Obende, representing Edo North and Rep. Peter Akpatason, representing the area in the House of Representatives.
Tepikor assured the victims that government’s assistance will soon come their way. “It is a natural disaster and when you say natural disaster it is not within the control of human beings.
“It has happened and that is why we are here as an intervention agency for on-the-spot assessment and report to the government.
“As soon as we are through with the paper work, they will hear from the government,” he said.
Akpatason who also spoke, said it was the first time such disaster had affected the community. “We have not seen a flood of this magnitude and the people are shocked, devastated and they are mourning,” he said.
The lawmaker said that he was in the area to see the extent of damage done by the flood and to ensure that a permanent solution was found to remedy the situation.
In his own contribution, Obende re-assured the victims of government’s assistance, saying that records were being taken to ensure those who lost property were adequately compensated.
“The agency is right here with us, going all over the places to see the extent of damage and take stock. We have taken records of property destroyed, paid hospital bills of those injured and given money for the burial of those who lost their lives.
“I believe there is hope and I am very convinced that more succour will come soonest to the victims,” he said.