Video: Statement made at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (2013)

An Official Statement made by Mr Muhammad Sani Sidi, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria, at the fourth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. DRR

Lagos Ready for Flood Rescue operations: Acquires 8 raft Boats

 Lagos State Government has purchased eight life raft boats and other rescue equipment for rescue operations during flood disaster and boat mishap in the state.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu announced this, Thursday, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the officers of the Nigerian Merchant Navy in Alausa, Ikeja.

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the government purchased the new equipment to improve response to emergency issues, especially flood cases in the state.
It will be recalled that the National Meteorological Agency, NIMET, predicted that the state would experience heavy rainfall on 275 days in 2013.
Oke-Osanyintolu said “this will afford the state government search and rescue team in partnership with the officers of the Nigerian Merchant Navy to rescue residents whenever such disaster occurs in the state.”

Dangers of Telecom Masts

Telecom masts in residential and educational areas are dangerous but the regulatory agencies, the National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), have failed to enforce the World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations concerning the harmful practice. WHO warns that masts should be located at least 10 metres away from residential quarters.

Though telecommunication has created jobs and given a boost to investments in the country, we frown at the attitude of the average Nigerian landlord who puts money first in letting out a piece of land before thinking of the health hazards to the community. We also condemn the callous activities of telecom firms that capitalise on the people's naivety to send them to their early graves.
The adverse effects connected with regular contact with radioactive substances are legion, according to researchers across the globe. These killer masts transmit poisonous gases that impair the immune system and human neurological functions.

Nigeria: FG gives out casualty figure of 2012 flood

 

culled from dailytrust

The Federal Government has said that the 2012 floods affected over  7 million people, displaced 2.3 million people, killed over 363 people and destroyed or damaged about 597,476 houses.

A comprehensive assessment of the environment sector in the last two years issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment stated that the total value of losses as a result of the floods has been put at N2.6 trillion naira.

 

The assessment noted that the ministry has continued to reiterate the need to enforce regulatory provisions on development along flood plains, as many of those who were seriously affected had their houses and farmlands located on flood plains.

“Following the indication and predictions of the likelihood of equal or more serious flooding in 2013, this ministry has redoubled the national environmental education and awareness campaigns, and encouraged states and local governments to join in the awareness and sensitization campaigns at the community or grassroots level, to avoid a repeat of the disasters in 2013,” it added.

Ecuador Pegasus Satellite fears collision with Space Junk

 

culled from BBC News

The Ecuadorean space agency (EXA) is trying to pick up signals from its satellite after it was found to be on a collision course with space debris.

The nano-satellite, called Pegasus, was launched from the Jiuquan spaceport in China less than a month ago.

It is Ecuador's first and only satellite in orbit.

Experts calculated Pegasus was on a course to collide at 05:38 GMT on Thursday with debris from a Soviet rocket launched in 1985.

Deadly Tornado Hits Oklahoma: over 50 people killed

A devastating two-mile-wide tornado touched down in Moore, a community of 41,000 people about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City yesterday afternoon Monday May 20th, killing over 50 people - including at least 20 children, with 24 more missing. Plaza Towers Elementary school was in the direct path of the giant twister and took a direct hit during 45 minutes of terror yesterday afternoon.

Homes, cars, a hospital and another elementary school were destroyed by the tornado. More than 120 people are being treated at hospitals, including about 50 children. The death toll is expected to rise. 

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster area in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local efforts in Moore. See more photos after the cut...

2.4 billion people will lack Improved Sanitation in 2015

Some 2.4 billion people, one-third of the world’s population will remain without access to improved sanitation in 2015, according to a joint WHO/UNICEF report just released.

The report, entitled Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2013 Update, warns that, at the current rate of progress, the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the proportion of the 1990 population without sanitation would be missed by eight percent – or half a billion people.

Red Star embraces eco-friendly courier bags

Red Star Express Plc, a logistics company has embraced the use of bio-degradable polythene envelopes as its official flyers.
With the increasing global warming campaign, Red Star Express is actively seeking ways to reduce the carbon footprint by using bio-degradable materials.
Speaking on this new development, Ngozi Ochokwu, Red Star Express Marketing Manager, said her company has chosen to use bio-degradable polythene envelopes to parcel goods, in keeping with environmental-friendly global best practices, adding that the development would have a great impact on the health of the country and the world as a whole.
She said, “The overall impact of plastics and other non-bio-degradable on the people is hazardous and a major pollutant contributor to the environment. The polythene envelopes are manufactured to the highest quality. The envelopes are strong, less expensive, and lightweight and reduce postage costs.

Bayelsa Flood Committee Distributes Cement to victims

 Bayelsa State Post Flood Management Committee says that owners of mud houses that were affected by last year’s flood in the state are to receive 20 bags of cement each to rebuild their houses.

Chairman of the committee, Chief Francis Doukpola who disclosed this said the measure was to prepare them in anticipation of this year’s flood.

 

He said that the committee would distribute 400 bags of cement to each of the affected communities, and enjoined the local government chairmen and community leaders to help supervise the distribution and ensure that the right people benefit from the exercise.

Chief Doukpola explained that the distribution would be done in phases within  weeks and was intended to enable the owners of affected houses fortify their houses, especially in light of the rainfall predictions of this year.

NITP Condemns at Indiscriminate installation of Telecom Masts

 The indiscriminate erection  of telecommunication masts and citing of filling stations in Nigerian cities across the country do not only endangered lives but have also threatened the environment, President of Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Steve Onu, has warned.
Onu gave the warning in Calabar when the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr Efiok Cobham laid the foundation stone for their three storey secretariat.
He lamented that the development was a disturbing one, which must be checked for the safety of citizens.

He urged the appropriate government agencies to urgently intervene before the trend becomes more dangerous.

Onu lauded the state government for keeping the state capital the cleanest in the country.
He also lauded the state for setting up urban development centres in the 18 local government areas of the state to ensure that human settlements are properly ordered among other developmental plans.
Cobham while acknowledging the commendation, however described some areas in the state, particularly the capital city, as “disaster waiting to happen” due to faulty or lack of planning.
He attributed this to the negligence of town planners who he said should know better. 

Source: Dailytrust

Monster radiation burst from Sun

Source: BBC News

The Sun has unleashed its most powerful eruption of 2013 so far.

The solar flare - a sudden release of radiation - peaked at 1705 BST on Monday, and was associated with a huge eruption of matter.

When these eruptions reach Earth, they can interfere with electronic systems in satellites and those on the ground.

Nasa said this solar explosion - known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) - was not directed at Earth, but it could pass several US spacecraft.

The event on Monday was classified as an "X-class" flare - the most intense type - with a designation of X2.8 (higher numbers denote a stronger flare). It surpassed an X1.7-class flare that occurred 14 hours earlier.

Senator Saraki Restates Commitment To Erosion Control Project

The Chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki representing Kwara Central Senatorial District has expressed his delight on the progress of the ongoing erosion control project in Abata Asunkere, Alore area of Ilorin in Kwara State.

Dr Bukola Saraki during one of his constituency visit to the area had earlier identified the Alore area of Asunkere as an erosion prone area which portrays environmental danger to the community.

The Senator further decried the structural arrangement of the building as they are clustered together which impedes the free flow of water and prevents proper storm water discharge. He also cited the elevation pattern of the area as a source of worry for the community, as heap of refuse is dumped on the site indiscriminately.

Nigeria: House of Reps, Stakeholders Strategise on Environment

 Source : thisdaylive

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment and other relevant stakeholders on the Nigerian environment have moved to map strategies out on a collaborative approach for managing the environment.

It is against this backdrop that the House Committee on Environment is organising a National Conference on the Environment with the theme: ‘Managing our Environment for a Sustainable and Secure Future,’ with Tandice -B Solutions Limited as consultant for the conference.

The conference, according to the organisers, stemmed from the fact that “while sovereign laws, international treaties and conventions acknowledge the fundamental right of the individual to live in a healthy environment, environmental protection and conservation continues to be a reoccurring challenge especially for developing economies like Nigeria.”

The conference, which will take place next week in Abuja, will bring together all public and private sector organisations involved in environmental activity in Nigeria to deliberate and agree on a common agenda for environmental sustainability.

ESNC 2013: Who will be the Next Galileo Master?

The 10th edition of the annual European Satellite Navigation Competition is here again and If you are one of those GEO people who is always looking for ways to innovate and come up with new stuff in the satellite navigation domain, this is the competition that you just shouldn’t miss!

The European Satellite Navigation Competition was started ten years ago in 2004 with the purpose of encouraging new ideas and products that enhance the utilization of GNSS, Galileo in particular.

The annual competition is looking for services, products, or business innovations that use satellite navigation in everyday life. Around EUR 1 million in prizes is up for grabs, including cash prizes, business incubation, coaching, patent consulting, prototyping and marketing support, access to customers and user communities, and publicity in the satellite navigation network.

NESREA Embarks Nationwide Sensitisation Campaign

 

The National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency(NASREA) has commenced a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the need to protect the environment.

NESREA Director-General, Dr Ngeri S. Benebo said at the flag-off of the campaign in Abuja that ,“we must begin to take adequate measures to protect our environment and be conscious of what happens around us.”

Benebo who dispatched officials of the agency to hold rallies in 10 different locations in Abuja and its environs declared that the task of promoting a healthy living in the society cannot be compromised.

According to her, “This exercise will hold every two weeks in FCT and the 22 states where we have field offices and it is your duty to educate the people on the need to keep their environment clean.”

The agency according to the director general was now poised to ensure that the Federal Capital Territory is rid of filthy  environment. 

Source :dailytrust

VIDEO: NEMA Rescue Two Workers from Ojodu Building Collapse Site

In spite of their earlier decision to end rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in the Ojodu area of Lagos, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have gone back to work following distress calls lodged by residents that they believe there are still people under the rubble still alive.
The decision paid off as two more people have been brought out alive.
The four storey building under construction belonging to Four Square Gospel Church in Lagos, South West Nigeria, caved in on Tuesday 7th may, 2013 killing one worker. Find the video below,**viewers discretion advised

Picture of the day: Stop Littering

Littering the street is a bad trend... stopping it begins with you.

President Jonathan tasks surveyors on environmental challenges

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday 7th May,  called on Nigerian surveyors to come up with ideas that would help the country to overcome its environmental challenges.

Jonathan made the call in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 27th International Federation of Surveyors’ (FIG) conference holding at international Conference Center Abuja, which has as its theme: ``Environment for Sustainability.”

He said the 2012 flooding and emerging environmental hazards should compel surveyors to brainstorm for lasting solutions to them.

“Considering the spate of flooding we experienced in 2012 and the scourge of gully erosion in the South and desert encroachment in the North, I urge you to find lasting solutions to them.’’

The president commended surveyors for helping government in its transformation agenda to realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 20:2020.

“Surveying is indeed the bedrock of national physical development.

“My government expects to derive benefits from its role in national resource exploration, exploitation, management and conservation,” he said

Source dailytrust

Effects of Cooking Smoke

Indoor air pollution is an aspect human health that most researchers and environment activists have not given adequate attention, whereas billions of dollars have been channeled in research into harmful effects of cigarette smoke and outdoor pollution.  Wood, dung, stove and grass are used daily in about half of the world's households  especially in developing countries as energy for cooking and heating. In most parts of the Third World they are burnt in open fires or inefficient stoves in poorly ventilated kitchens. The result is a toll in death and ill health far greater than the more often discussed outdoor air pollution. 

Man Single-Handedly Plants A Whole Forest

It’s truly amazing when we get to cover news of people who single-handedly create something truly significant. Churches on a mountain side, for instance. Or in this case, an entire forest. Jadav Payeng, a man in his mid-fifties, has been instrumental in converting a sand bar in the middle of the river Brahmaputra in Assam, India, into a huge forest. His work of the past 31 years is being recognized by tourists and film-makers, the world over.

VIDEO: Sebastião Salgado: The silent drama of photography

Economics PhD Sebastião Salgado only took up photography in his 30s, but the discipline became an obsession. His years-long projects beautifully capture the human side of a global story that all too often involves death, destruction or decay. Here, he tells a deeply personal story of the craft that nearly killed him, and shows breathtaking images from his latest work, Genesis, which documents the world's forgotten people and places. 

For his full Bio click here

New App Tells You When Lightning Is Nearby

The arrival of rains also ushers in severe weather season, with thunderstorms — and the lightning they produce — rolling across the country. Knowing where this weather is, and if it's close by, can be key to keeping yourself out of dangerous situations.

A new app from WeatherBug, called Spark, tells you where the nearest lightning strike is to you, based on data from the Total Lightning Network (run by WeatherBug's parent company, Earth Networks) and your phone's GPS location. You can also check for lightning near saved locations — the beach or the golf course you're hoping to hit up, perhaps.

And the app doesn't just tell you where cloud-to-ground lightning (what most of us think of when we hear the word) is, it also lets you know when there is lightning within clouds, according to WeatherBug's press release. The app is available on Android and iPhone platforms for $2.99.

The Rains are here

This picture was taken in Lagos today 1st May 2013.....
The rains are here....
What preventive measures/efforts are you making in your community to avoid flooding?
We welcome your comments.

NIHSA Identifies Areas to be Flooded in 2013

A new annual flood outlook for Nigeria prepared by the Nigeria hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has identified 156 local government areas in 31 states of the federation as areas likely to be most affected by flood this year.

The outlook which arrived at the prediction based on the rainfall pattern released by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) and a detailed analysis of the country’s  underground water as well as the trans boundary rivers noted that the worst case scenarios were expected in Kogi, Edo, Delta and Anambra states.

Mr John Ayo Shamonda, Director General of NIHSA said while presenting the outlook that Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos would be experiencing coastal flooding.

Shamonda said that Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Yola, Oshogbo, and Ibadan would experience flash flooding except where drainages may have been cleared of debris and waste dumps.

He stressed the need to carry out a comprehensive flood hazard map for all areas considered at risk of flooding in the country.

Flood in Kogi: Help us or We Divorce our Husbands

This flood menace has taken a new dimension. I hope the government of Kogi state will ameliorate the suffering of this families in order to stop these women from fulfilling their threat.  

According to dailytrust Over 5000 house wives in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have threatened to divorce their husbands if they failed to provide succor and shelters for them within two weeks.

The women stated this yesterday in Muzum area of the council during a post flood assessment to the area by National Orientation Agency in company of Journalists.

The Spokesperson of the women, Hajiya Laraba Isah said the people of the area were suffering and demand government attention and support in order to overcome the negative effects of last year’s flood.

Hazards posed by Space Junks and Possible Solutions

Once in space, the biggest threat to astronauts and spacecrafts is space debris. Space debris, also known as space junk or space waste, are potentially dangerous and useless objects in Earth’s orbit. These objects are either man-made (such as spent stages of rockets, broken off pieces of spaceships or equipment, old unusable satellites, and even small flecks of paint) or natural (such as space rocks, ice, and dust). The problem with space debris is how hazardous they can be if they impact a spacecraft or even a spacewalking astronaut.

Revealed! Satellite images of Baga shows massive destruction from military raid

Satellite images released yesterday by Human Right Watch reveal massive destruction of homes from a military raid on the town of Baga in Borno State on Tuesday and Wednesday April 16 and 17, 2013. At least 180 people were killed in the raid.

Baga residents told Human Rights Watch that soldiers ransacked the town after Boko Haram members attacked a military patrol, killing a soldier. Community leaders said that immediately after the attack they counted 2,000 burned homes and 183 bodies. Satellite images of the town analyzed by Human Rights Watch corroborate these accounts and identify 2,275 destroyed buildings, the vast majority likely residences, with another 125 severely damaged.

See the Satellite images  Here