Fire, windstorm displaced 8,046 in two months –NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency has said 8,046 persons have been displaced by disasters in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states in January and February 2015.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesperson for NEMA, South West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the victims were displaced by seven major fire and windstorm disasters.

It read in part, “No fewer than 8,046 persons were affected in seven major different incidents with Lagos State having 1,064 persons. Iwaya community recorded 652 persons, while Berlin Street, Marina, fire disaster affected 412 traders who have been provided with relief materials.

“In Igbo Aje Market, Ilaro of Yewa South, Ogun State, 306 traders were affected by a market fire outbreak that occurred on January 27, 2015.

“About 6,676 persons were affected in four different incidents of wind and rainstorm disasters that occurred in six communities of Ilaro in the Afijio Local Government Area; Lagbondoke and Agunpopo communities of the Atiba LGA; Irewole and Isokan communities in the Oyo West LGA and Oko town, in the Surulere LGA, all of Oyo State. All the incidents occurred between February 9 and 10, 2015.”

The statement added that 1,000 houses and 251 shops were consumed in the three states.

Farinloye said NEMA delivered foodstuffs and other relief materials to the victims through the state emergency management agency.

He said the relief materials were to cushion the effect of the loss of the victims during the incident.

He added, “NEMA released 400 bags of cements, 300 bundles of roofing sheets, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of garri, 250 pieces of mosquitoes treated nets, 500 ceiling boards, 100 bags of three inches nails, 20 bags of sugar and 75 cartons of noodles to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, to be distributed to the victims of fire disaster at Berlin Street, Marina, Lagos.

“NEMA is imploring Nigerians to embark on tree planting to guard against wind and rainstorm, as well as prevent soil erosion while creating serene environment for all.”