It is indeed a pleasure and an honor for me to contribute to the strategic Narrative of this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction by reflecting on “disaster risk reduction management” here in Lagos. Disasters are, indeed becoming an issue of growing concern worldwide. The impact of disasters upon our societies has been greatly increased, becoming a major obstacle for us to achieve sustainable socio-economic development.
Each year, disasters take about 30,000 lives; uproot at least 15,0000 and affect more than 60,000 people. Over 50% of displacement results from disasters such as flooding and Terrorism. The direct economic loss is estimated at billions of dollars, which sets back socio-economic development, especially in our nation. To save lives and reduce human suffering, state, national and international communities have been doing their best in disaster response, which is not only critical but necessary. However, disaster response alone is insufficient.
Kindly allow me to underscore that disaster management literature and global empirical evidence, widespread consensus is that the severity and frequency of disasters are growing. As such, developing countries, including Nigeria are increasingly exposed, socially, economically and bio-physically.
The reasons for this increase include the change in weather patterns, inefficient land use practices, growing populations, most of whom find themselves exposed to various hazards due to their socio-economic status and assets located in high-risk areas, rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, etc. We note with deep sense of concern that climate change and land degradation are expected to significantly affect the region and increase risks related to water resources, fire, agriculture and food security.
Globally the United Nations has acknowledged increasing human vulnerability to disasters, especially of the poor and disadvantaged groups that are least equipped to cope with crises of such serious magnitude.
Hence, the three interrelated concerns of disaster management, (encompassing mitigation, prevention and preparedness), environmental protection and sustainable development is being simultaneously addressed through ‘all-encompassing’ policy in this regard, for protection of life and preservation of development in the short run and more importantly, for future generations over the long run.
Experience with natural disasters over the past few years has led to the realization that disasters are not one off events, rather a result of concretized vulnerabilities, which need to be addressed/treated over time through sustained public policy in this regard.
Disaster risk reduction management aims at nipping disaster potential in the bud, hence is essential for safeguarding development. Hence, disaster vulnerability can be reduced overtime through planned interventions towards building resilience. Globally This necessitates consistent attempts at vulnerability reduction through plan budget allocations for disaster mitigation with a view to integrating disaster management with mainstream development planning.
LASEMA has since its inception achieved disaster risk reduction through cooperation among various agents, such as states, international organizations, local governments, local civil society organizations, and citizens themselves.
In disaster reduction, LASEMA has been very active in four areas: 1) to increase public awareness of risks and existing solutions to reduce vulnerability to hazards, 2) obtain commitment by public authorities to reduce risk to people and their livelihoods, 3) to stimulate multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral partnerships and expand risk reduction networks, and 4) to further improve scientific knowledge of the causes of disasters and effects of natural hazards. Since 2016 till date the Agency has responded to 70,352,948 calls from the general public out of which 198,100 were escalated to several agencies; the incidents to which we respond vary from Accidents, Fires, Vehicle break down, illness &injury and collapsed buildings.
To mitigate the impact of disasters and sustain our socio-economic investment, LASEMA chooses to act now, thereby, adopting a proactive, holistic and comprehensive approach in disaster management, enabling us to mainstream disaster risk management systematically into development undertakings.
You may agree with me that a large number of people today in disaster prone areas belong to the poorest and most marginalized, whilst also exacerbating vulnerabilities and social inequalities and harming economic growth. and that they have less access to disaster information. LASEMA adopted disaster reduction to disaster response, which has received more attention and more commitment. If we agree that disasters can happen anywhere, including in our homes, and that the cost of disasters, both in financial and human terms, is high, I imagine we can agree that not being prepared for them is not the smartest policy. LASEMA is the very first helpdesk for affected populations, when our communities are hit by natural disasters within the Lagos Metropolitan.
The key factors for successful disaster management as applied by LASEMA include; forecasting, warning, local government diffusion, civil society participation and popular understanding and action. Disaster preparedness through Simulation exercises are one way in which we have been able to develop awareness and build stronger disaster response teams. To be able to act adequately to warnings, it is important to understand why it is essential to act as well as how to act. This is important both for the community and those who respond.
In line with the prevailing technical narrative read with existing frameworks in the country I wish to call upon state governments and partners within the states to present and be part of a coherent, strategic response to the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities/commitments that interagency relations present. We need to collaborate on issues that require effective coordinated response such as sharing information on disasters and important disaster risk reduction issues.
I would like to reiterate that the recent disasters within the state such as the Fire outbreak
at Shoba on March 15 2020 as well as previous incidences in Baruwa, Jakande, Ipaja axis of the state which were all as a result of leaking pipeline and it was uncovered that there had earlier been an improper sealing of the pipeline from a previous incidents. LASEMA & NNPC officials deployed measures using chemicals to minimize the risk of explosion and ensured proper sealing of the pipeline.
Regarding flood hazard, there is emerging consensus that structural mitigation measures have limited utility. Hence, the emphasis is now on non-structural mitigation measures, particularly flood monitoring and forecast, besides creating awareness among people regarding their vulnerable status, significance of following warnings, easy modes of information dissemination regarding impending disasters, institutionalization of social capital for better preparedness and so on.
As per incident reports within the state, losses from floods are exacerbated by catchments of choked drains, which are choked during heavy rains due to refuse disposal. Drainages and embankments, which often breach during heavy rainfall, are designed keeping in view the probable precipitation values.
These underline the increasing risk of natural disasters that we will face in the years ahead and also the increasing vulnerability of the population. I believe that the increasing impact and damage caused by disasters may take away or otherwise limit the gains in economic development in the region. Therefore, our work in disaster risk management becomes critically important.
In closing, I wish to reiterate the need for us as a community of practice for disaster risk reduction, to build statewide capacity and to collaborate and strengthen our efforts in PRACTICALLY reducing disaster risk creation through effective Disaster Risk Reduction. I would dare to say that working together is often the solution when we are talking about disaster risk management. And LASEMA stands ready to support “Moving from commitment to Action.
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