The National Emergency Management Agency has commenced the distribution of relief items to communities affected by windstorm and fire incidents across four local government areas of Abia State.
The exercise, carried out in Umuahia, was conducted in partnership with the Abia State Emergency Management Agency as part of ongoing efforts to support disaster victims in the state.
The affected local government areas include Aba South, Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Obingwa.
Items distributed to beneficiaries included rice, beans, salt, spaghetti, seasoning cubes, tomato paste, vegetable oil, detergent and mosquito nets.
Speaking during the distribution, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Sunday Jackson, congratulated beneficiaries and noted that they were selected following proper assessment and verification processes.
He urged community leaders to ensure fair distribution of the relief materials to genuine victims within their respective areas.
He added that while the items could not replace losses suffered during the disasters, they were intended to provide immediate relief and reduce hardship among affected households.
Jackson also commended the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency for its intervention and appreciated the state government for creating an enabling environment for effective disaster response.
The Head of Operations for NEMA covering Imo and Abia, Mr Nnamdi Igwe, said the intervention was aimed at easing the hardship faced by victims of the windstorm and fire outbreaks.
He explained that the agency, on behalf of the federal government, was committed to supporting affected communities and reducing the impact of disasters.
Igwe advised residents to promptly report disaster incidents through the appropriate state emergency structures to ensure swift response from relevant authorities.
He further stressed that while the relief materials cannot replace lost lives and property, they serve as immediate support to reduce suffering.
A representative of the beneficiary communities, Mr Elee Chinatu of Ohia Ocha in Aba South Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for their timely assistance.