The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have commenced the documentation and assessment of losses arising from the devastating fire that destroyed several businesses at SPAR Calabar on Saturday.
The joint assessment, conducted at the shopping complex following the early-morning inferno, is expected to provide government and humanitarian agencies with a clearer picture of the extent of destruction and the immediate needs of affected businesses and individuals.
The fire, which reportedly started at about 6:00 a.m., sent thick smoke across parts of Calabar and destroyed shops, goods and other property within the complex. A pharmacy, electronics store, clothing outlet, perfumery and phone shop were among the businesses affected.
Although no death was recorded, the incident resulted in substantial property losses, while some persons were reportedly affected by heavy smoke generated by the fire.
Officials of NEMA, CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society inspected the affected sections of the complex, interacted with victims and commenced the enumeration of businesses, individuals and property impacted by the disaster.
Speaking during the assessment, the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, expressed sympathy to the affected business owners and conveyed the solidarity of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Cross River State Government.
Nyong said the Agency would document and enumerate the affected persons and their losses as a basis for determining the appropriate areas of intervention.
He assured the victims that CR-SEMA would work with NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other relevant stakeholders to identify immediate needs and explore available avenues of support.
The CR-SEMA chief also commended the Cross River State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, University of Calabar Fire Service and other first responders for their efforts in containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading further.
He urged members of the public to stay away from the affected facility and cautioned against looting or vandalism, stressing that security agencies and emergency responders needed unhindered access to carry out their duties.
While preliminary reports suggested that the fire may have been preceded by an electrical fault, Nyong said the exact cause of the incident and the full extent of the losses remained subject to further investigation.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society also participated in the emergency response, providing assistance to persons affected by the smoke during the incident.
By David Asu
