NIMASA provides succour for victims of atlantic ocean surge
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Tuesday, carried out a successful Search and Rescue Operation at Okun Alpha Community in Owode village, Alpha Beach, Lekki Lagos which was ravaged by a surge from the Atlantic Ocean in the early hours of the morning.
Distressed signals were received at the Search & Rescue radio room of the Agency in the early hours of this morning and Management immediately mobilized officials from its Search and Rescue unit to the Community.
On arrival, the team undertook detailed search operation to establish the extent of damage and took time off to teach basic safety measures to the inhabitants of the community. Although no life was lost, the surge affected properties.
Medical staff of the Search and Rescue Clinic provided first aid services for all those who required medical attention. The Director Marine Environment Department of NIMASA Mrs. Juliana Gunwa who led the team, gave an assurance that NIMASA will immediately carry out a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment to determine the immediate and remote causes of the ocean surge in the area. The community was also assured of the Agency’s commitment to protecting the environment around the Alpha beach in Lekki.
The spokesperson for the Community Chief Imam Shamsudeen Banuso expressed the people’s gratitude to NIMASA for coming to their aid and responding immediately to their distress call.
He explained that some dredging activities in the Alpha Beach area were partly responsible for the distortion being witnessed by the Ecosystem of the area. He noted that the surge has become a regular occurrence adding that NIMASA was the first government Agency to respond to their plea.
Inhabitants of the community which has over five hundred houses heaved a sigh of relief when they sighted the NIMASA Search and Rescue team.
NIMASA Director Marine Environment Management Department, Mrs. Juliana Gumwa led the delation which also included the Director Maritime Safety department Captain Ibraheem Olugbade Head Hydrographic Unit, Comander Olugbode and the Chief Medical Director of the Search and Rescue Clinic Dr. Echelibe were all part of the emergency team that carried out the operation.
