Yobe, Swiss govt. to set up early warning system on climate change, disaster management
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
The Yobe State Government in partnership with the Swiss government is to mitigate climate change and disasters with an early-warning system (EAWS).
According to the Swiss government, the system will provide prompt and accurate information sharing to the state’s emergency management agency (SEMA) and affected communities.
Unveiling the early warning system over the weekend in Damaturu, the Swiss Disaster Risk Reduction Expert, Ms. Valeria Hutter disclosed; “The establishment of EAWS is to mitigate disaster impacts with an effective response at various emergency operation centres (EOCs) in the state.”
She explained that the agency will coordinate the disaster response efforts on climate change and mitigation in the affected communities.
The Swiss government led by Amb. Siamak Rouhani, stated; “Our discussion with SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje; was on how to incorporate field observations to enhance coordination of climate change in the state,” as well as, the border communities with Niger.
Hutter noted that the timely information dissemination will strengthen the early warning system on climate change and related disasters on life and property.
Besides climate change early warning system, Rouhani said the collaboration with state government underscores the importance of proactive disaster management to build a resilient future for the vulnerable communities.
Commending the state’s commitment to resilience with peace building, he said: “Our visit to the Damaturu local market was successful, without an escort by the security agencies,” stating that peace is being restored for secured commuting and business activities in the state.
