Experts analyze 2014 rainfall predictions for disaster management

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the analysis of the 2014 Seasonal Rainfall Predictions released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to determine its implications for disaster management.

Director General of NEMA Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi disclosed this in Abuja said the analysis was being carried out along with the critical stakeholders to identify the areas in the forecasts with dire implications of certain risks for necessary actions to mitigate against disasters.

He said "after each NIMET presentations, NEMA regularly organize meeting of experts and stakeholders in disaster management to critically analyze the Seasonal Rainfall Predictions and determine the disaster management implications of the report."

The Director General NEMA who spoke through Director of Administration Dr Zanna Muhammad said the usual analysis of the annual predictions had been very useful and greatly improved on the "early warning and early action mechanism" in management of disaster situations of the past years.

He noted that "the use of weather forecast for early warning and early action is no longer an option but a compelling necessity in the face of the increasing environmental challenges from climate change and associated extreme events.

"It is the intention of NEMA that we digest, evaluate and monitor the Seasonal Rainfall Predictions together towards reducing our nation's vulnerability, enhance our communal resilience and ensure the sustainable development of our dear country," he added.

The stakeholders included representatives of the Federal Ministries of Water Resources, Health and Aviation; NIMET, Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Civil Defense, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia among others.

Manzo Ezekiel
Press Officer
29th April 2014