Relief materials have been donated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to Imo Government to assuage the sufferings of victims of recent flood in the state.
Receiving the items, Gov. Hope Uzodimma, represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, commended President Mohammadu Buhari for providing assistance to the victims in the state.
The governor also lauded the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Farouq and NEMA for the gesture.
Uzodimma said in spite of early prediction and warnings, the flood ravaged many areas of Ohaji/ Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas than previous flood incidents.
He said the items would go a long way to assuage the pains of the victims, but called for more assistance from humanitarian and philanthropic organizations.
The governor assured NEMA that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) would ensure proper distribution of the items to the affected persons.
Uzodimma expressed optimism that the dredging of the Orashi River by the Federal Government would help to mitigate flood disasters in the area in future.
Earlier, NEMA Head of Operations in Imo, Mr Ifeanyi Nnaji said the items were aimed at cushioning the effect of the flood on victims.
“The Federal Government through NEMA cannot compensate the traumatic experiences of people affected by disaster but can only cushion the effect of the unfortunate incidents,” he said.
Items donated included 1,400 bags of 10kg rice, beans and maize; 75 bags of 20kg iodised salt; 75 jerrycans of 25litres vegetable oil and 100 cartons of seasoning cubes.
The items also included 75 cartons of tin tomatoes; 8,000 pieces of mats; 1,000 pieces of mosquito nets; 2,500 brocade materials; and 1,000 pieces of wears for children, men and women, among others.
The agency also donated 105 metric tons of maize, 88.7 metric tons of sorghum and 98.7 metric tons of garri to vulnerable households in the affected areas to mitigate the effect of high cost of living on them.
NAN
