Following a severe rainstorm on March 11 in Oriade LGA and March 12 in Atakumosa West LGA, Òsùn State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Ibadan Operations Office, in collaboration with the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), carried out a post-disaster assessment on March 18. The objective was to evaluate the damage, identify affected households and infrastructure, and recommend necessary interventions.
The assessment team, led by Assistant Head of Operations Mr. Olanrewaju Kazeem, visited Ilaa Ijesa and expressed sympathy to His Royal Majesty, Oba David Ojarotade, and the affected residents. He emphasized the need for disaster prevention and urged the community to advocate for the establishment of a Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) for improved emergency response. Representing the Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, Hon. Emiola Fakeye, Mrs. Omolara Isola, Director of Operations, assured residents that their concerns would be relayed to the state government through OSEMA.
The assessment covered Ilaa Ijesa, Oke Bode, and Osunjela in Atakumosa West, as well as Ijebu-Ijesa and Iwoye-Ijesa in Oriade LGA. Findings revealed that several homes had roofs blown off or collapsed, schools and health centers were damaged, and electricity infrastructure was affected. Farmlands and economic trees suffered destruction, raising concerns about food security. Some residents were displaced, seeking temporary shelter, but no fatalities were recorded, with only minor injuries reported.
Despite the extensive damage, NEMA IBOO emphasized the importance of proactive disaster management measures to prevent future occurrences. The agency urged communities and stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness, strengthen early warning systems, and adopt Disaster Risk Reduction strategies as a long-term solution.
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