By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has said 3,500 lives have so far been rescued from disasters that occurred from January to December, 2024.
Acting Director General of the department, Abdulrahman Mohammed disclosed this while briefing journalists on its 2024 activities.
He said the persons were rescued from trapped buildings, flood disasters, Fire outbreaks, road crashes, among other disasters recorded.
Mohammed said 5 persons however lost their lives in major disasters in the year under review.
While giving a breakdown of the Search and Rescue activities in 2024 stated said, 75 lives were rescued from various floods, while 105 persons were rescued from building collapse, 1,230 persons were rescued from various fire disasters reported in parts of the city.
He added that 2000 residents were traumatized by the wildly reported earth tremor in Mpape, Katampe, and some parts of Maitama Extension.
Mohammed said, “FEMD saved an estimated 3,500 lives from various emergencies through 165 calls on its 112 emergency toll-free number. A breakdown of the Search and Rescue activities in 2024 shows that 75 lives were rescued from various flood disasters. However, one life was lost to floods at Angwan Hakimi, Orozo, in Abuja Municipal Area Council.”
“105 persons were rescued from building collapse and there were 4 fatalities .We had incidences at the Prince and Princess estate, Guzape District, Garki 2, Kubwa, and Sabon Lugbe along the Airport Road.”
On cases of fire incidents, the DG stated that, “1,230 persons were rescued from various incidents, no life was lost. Some of the incidents occurred at Old Karu market, a fitness center at Gwarinpa, and residential fires.”
Mohammed revealed an attempted suicide incident on a mast top at Katampe hill, where the suspect was rescued through the skillful intervention of FEMD officials and the police
He listed other emergencies to include earth tremor saying, “FEMD responded to the wildly reported earth tremor in Mpape, Katampe, and some parts of Maitama Extension where over 2000 residents were traumatized .Our report on the incident was submitted to the Honorable Minster of the FCT.
“89 persons were rescued, while there were 3 fatalities. We have also flagged off our ember month campaign in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps. Tagged, Operation Eagle Eye, the campaign took us to Motor Parks in the FCT to sensitize commercial drivers on driving to stay safe and alive.”
Responding to the recent palliative stampede in the Maitama area of the FCT, the DG disclosed that all hospitalused victims have been discharged.
In the coming year, he said FEMD will establish effective channels for sharing information and best practices, in addition to setting up secure data storage solutions.
“We intend to Increase focus on risk assessment for the city center to increase focus on risk assessment to mitigate potential disasters.”
