Fifteen people have died in severe flooding, in 21 communities, in Cross River State between July and August, 2017.
Director General of the state Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, made the disclosure when he assessed the extent of damage in flooded areas in Calabar South, yesterday.
Four major streets in Calabar South, including Goldie, Target, Yellow-Duke, Ekpo-Abasi and others were heavily flooded after a down pour early on Monday.
Inaku listed local government areas affected by flooding as Obudu, Yala, Ogoja, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, Abi, Biase, Akamkpa, Odukpani and Calabar South.
According to him, about 21 communities in 12 councils have been flooded with thousands of residents displaced.
Inaku said crops, including cassava, yams, groundnuts, okro and vegetables were also destroyed.
“Between July and August this year, we have witnessed 217 flood cases in 21 communities in 12 councils of the state.
“Sadly, 15 people have lost their lives to the tragic incidents. Seven died in Biase, four in Ogoja, three in Yala and one in Obubra councils.
“We are appealing to the federal and state governments to look into the plight of these people, particularly Biase people, where water washed away people while they were asleep.
“Some of the victims died as they went to harvest their farm produce while others died while trying to safeguard their canoes and fishing nets.’’
The director general, however, warned residents in Calabar metropolis to stop dumping refuse in water channels.
One of the flood victims in Calabar South, Mr. James Okon, who was seen removing valuables from his house, said the area usually witnessed flooding during the rainy season.
According to Okon, efforts by residents to draw the attention of government to their plight have not yielded any result.
“The issue of flooding in this area has been given less attention by the state government. You can see for yourself how water has destroyed all my property.
“I am appealing to the government to come to our aid. We are suffering in this area,’’ Okon said.
… Obaseki tasks govts, groups on Benue crisis
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has tasked charitable persons, governments, religious groups and other organisations to remember the people of Benue State and others in distress, as the world celebrates the International Day of Charity today.
He observed that the scale of the crisis resulting from the flooding in parts of Benue State was beyond the power of the state government alone and urged global leaders, captains of industries as well as religious leaders to mobilise resources for victims of the flood.
“The International Day of Charity, set aside by the United Nations, reinforces our common humanity, shared values and love for one another, especially in times of crises,” Obaseki said.
The governor decried lack of accurate climatic data to guide builders and developers in flood prone areas at the local government level where much of uncontrolled development takes place.
The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for throwing the Federal Government’s weight behind efforts to assist victims of the flood in Benue State as he earlier did for Edo State and others that were affected by floods a couple of months ago. He praised similar support by individuals and groups, some of whom made donations without disclosing their identities as well as local groups that participated in rescue efforts during the crisis.
The United Nations Day of Charity is marked on September 5 every year.
The day is set aside to recognise the role of philanthropy in the eradication of all forms of poverty and attending to the needs of the most vulnerable people.