Flood disaster in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has wreaked severe havoc on the affected residents as they seek urgent succor from the government.
Hundreds of families impacted by the flood across the LGA have lost their homes and sources of livelihood, while others lament over its impact on their health.
The floodwater caused by the incessant heavy rainfall has submerged houses, destroyed farm produce, and rendered many homeless.
Some residents have fled their homes, fearing that floodwaters could carry dangerous reptiles, such as snakes, into their houses.
Communities severely hit by the flood include Aleto, Ogale, Agbonchia, Alesa, Alode and Onne. The natives and residents have called for the immediate intervention of the state government.
One of the victims of the flood disaster, Mr Beneath Pango, who is a resident of Nyade Community in Aleto, lamented that most families have lost all they have in the flood disaster.
According to him, “the flooding is caused by poor drainage construction by RCC. Runoff from the ongoing East-West road project was diverted directly into surrounding communities instead of being properly channeled away.”
Another resident, who gave her name simply as Charity, spoke in pidgin English, “I no commot pin from my house. Water don cover everywhere.
“We see am as eh dey come, but I kno know say eh go reach like this. Abeg, make government help us.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, alongside the Operations Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Rivers and Bayelsa States, Dr. Chidi, and representatives of the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), visited the affected areas to assess the extent of the destruction and sympathize with victims.
The chairman disclosed that more than 150 families have already been displaced, attributing part of the flooding to ongoing construction activities by RCC along the Eleme section of the East-West Road.
“We have identified Aleto Primary School as a proposed temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp. We are here to inspect the facilities so affected families can be relocated while relief materials are being provided.
“At the same time, we are working on both immediate and long-term solutions to this crisis,” he said.
Also speaking on the flooding in Ogale and Agbonchia, the chairman noted that years of building on ancestral streams and natural waterways have worsened the disaster. He explained that discussions have commenced with NEMA and SEMA to create proper drainage channels that will allow floodwaters to flow naturally into the river.
He further revealed that a blocked culvert in Ogale would be reopened immediately, describing it as one of the major causes of the devastating flooding that has forced many families from their homes.
Accompanied by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Daniel Jima Chumu, and the House Committee Chairman on Environment, Hon. Clement Ebiti, Hon. Supervisor for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Josephine, and the SA on Emergency and Relief Services, Nelson Olaka Nwogu, the Chairman also directed Youth Presidents across the affected communities to mobilize local vigilante groups to protect deserted homes from criminal elements exploiting the disaster to steal residents’ belongings.
He acknowledged that some buildings obstructing natural waterways may eventually be demolished to restore proper drainage, stressing that the difficult decision is necessary to protect lives and prevent future flooding.
On his part, the Operations Head of NEMA, Dr Obi, sympathized with the victims and assured them the matter will be escalated to the appropriate quarters. He advised the victims to cooperate with the local government authority to create temporary measures that will bring succour while the assessment is ongoing.
