NEMA clears 50% debris of collapsed Anambra hostel, resumes rescue Tuesday

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The National Emergency Management Agency has suspended search and rescue operations at the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Amaokpala, Anambra State, after clearing at least 50 per cent of the debris.

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NEMA disclosed this in an update shared on its official X handle on Monday evening, saying rescue efforts would resume on Tuesday to continue the search for any victims who may still be trapped beneath the remaining rubble.

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The agency stated that all rescue equipment had been safely shut down following intensive operations by emergency responders.

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It said, “The search and rescue operation at the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Amaokpala has been suspended for the day following intensive rescue efforts by all responding agencies.

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“All rescue equipment has been safely shut down, and operations will resume tomorrow to continue the search for any victims who may still be trapped beneath the remaining debris.

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“At least 50 per cent of the debris was successfully cleared during the operation, representing significant progress in the ongoing emergency response.”

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According to NEMA, its Head of Operations, Priscilla Madukwe, while briefing stakeholders at the scene, commended all responding agencies for their commitment and professionalism throughout the operation.

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The agency added, “She urged all stakeholders to remain available and maintain the same level of cooperation as rescue activities resume tomorrow.

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“The coordinated multi-agency response will continue until the search and rescue mission is successfully concluded.”

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The latest update comes hours after a three-storey student hostel under construction collapsed at Amaokpala in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, raising fears that several persons were trapped beneath the rubble.

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Emergency responders, including NEMA, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other agencies, were mobilised to the scene to begin rescue operations.

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Meanwhile, the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has dismissed reports that students died in the incident, insisting that the collapsed structure was not owned by the institution and that no student casualty had been recorded.

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The institution’s management said it had verified the identities of students residing in nearby hostels and found that none was among those affected by the collapse.

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