The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to 1,112 households affected by windstorm in four communities in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.
Mr Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Media and Public Relations, NEMA, made this known on Sunday in a statement in Abuja.
NEMA Director-General, rtd Air vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, inaugurated the distribution of the materials at Ikom Local Government Area Secretariat.
Muhammed was represented by the agency’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr Godwin Tepikor.
The affected communities where the windstorm pulled off roofs, destroyed houses and properties are Ogomogom, Akorofono, Nkarasi and Abinti communities all in Ikom LGA.
According to him, the relief materials were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for delivery to the affected persons by the agency.
The director-general who sympathised with the victims also, advised them to take seriously the predicted flood forecast for the state by ensuring that they prepare and mitigate against the flood impacts.
“The items distributed are: 556 bags of 12.5kg rice, 556 bags of 25kg beans, 556 bags of 12.5 kg of Garri, 56 kegs of palm oil, 93 cartons of seasoning cubes, 46 cartons of tomato paste and 1112 pieces of blankets.
“Others included 1112 pieces of foam mattress, 725 cartons of bath soap, 556 pieces of wax print, 700 bundles of roofing sheets, 185 bags of nails, 370 packets of zinc nail and 1668 pieces of ceiling boards,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the Cross River State Government, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, appreciated the President’s empathy and NEMA’s prompt and direct distribution of the humanitarian support.
The Chairman of the Local Government Council, Mr Kingsley Egumi, also appreciated the Federal Government for the relief support delivered through NEMA.
Representatives of the beneficiaries Mrs Okongor Ndoma-Yala and Mr Nfam Akong also lauded President Buhari and NEMA for coming to their rescue in good time.