CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP SUPPORTS FLOOD VICTIMS IN IMO

REPORTER: CHIKA EWURUM

Government agencies, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and religious organizations have been called to assist those displaced by flood in various communities across the country.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji made the call during a visit to flood victims at Mmahu Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Governments Area of Imo State.

The Archbishop commended some religious bodies, private and government agencies involved in rescue efforts for their heroic interventions and magnanimity.

The Archbishop lamented the non proactive nature of the nation in facing the challenges of flood disaster and the fire-brigade approaches to issues that should normally require proper planning and preparation.

Archbishop Ugorji, who is the President of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, noted that institutions for flood disaster management and control such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency require adequate funding to enable them put necessary measures in place ahead of any disaster.

According to the prelate, there is the need for policies and actions that will stop the allocation of lands and construction of projects and building on natural flood plains or storm water paths.

This, he said also, implied that the citizens must be discouraged from living in serious flood prone areas.

The Most Reverend Ugorji gifted the people bags of rice, cartons of noodles, cartons of tomato paste, clothing materials, amongst others.

Traditional Ruler of Nmahu Autonomous Community, Eze Augustine Iwuogu, who received the items on behalf of the people, commended the Catholic Church for coming to the aid of the flood victims in Egbema.

He recalled that not long ago, the Church brought palliatives for pipeline fire victims, and promised that the gifts would reach those they were meant for.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU