Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated early flood preparedness measures in Rivers State and Bayelsa State following projections of severe flooding risks in 2026.

The move comes after official forecasts identified both states among the most vulnerable areas likely to experience flooding this year.

Stakeholders Mobilised for Coordinated Response

Speaking during a disaster preparedness meeting in Port Harcourt, NEMA’s Head of Operations, Chidi Ogunda, said the agency is shifting focus toward proactive disaster management.

The session brought together key agencies, including:

• Nigerian Police Force
• Federal Road Safety Corps
• Federal Fire Service
• Department of State Services
• Nigerian Red Cross Society
• Ogunda emphasised that collaboration remains critical to reducing disaster impact.
• 33 States, FCT Listed as High-Risk Areas

According to the 2026 National Flood Outlook, flooding could affect:

33 states and the FCT

266 local government areas

Over 14,000 communities nationwide

This data underscores the urgency for early intervention and coordinated planning across all levels of government.

Shift from Reactive to Preventive Strategy

NEMA says Nigeria is gradually moving away from reactive emergency responses to a more predictive and preventive framework.

Ogunda noted that future efforts will include:

• Community training and capacity building
• Deployment of early warning systems
• Engagement of local volunteers and leaders
• Strengthening inter-agency coordination

He stressed that disaster preparedness must extend beyond flooding to include fire outbreaks, road crashes, and other emergencies.

Security Agencies Pledge Support

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its readiness to respond swiftly during emergencies, noting that officers are often first responders in crisis situations.

Similarly, the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed plans to reduce road accidents by 10% in 2026 through improved training and community engagement.

The agency also highlighted its emergency response line, 122, for rapid reporting of incidents.

Fire Service Intensifies Public Awareness

The Federal Fire Service said it has scaled up sensitisation campaigns, targeting homes, businesses, and institutions to promote fire safety and prevention.

Officials stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing disaster-related losses.

Recurring Flood Threat Raises Concerns

Nigeria has experienced repeated flooding since 2012, with devastating effects on lives, infrastructure, and agriculture.

NEMA warns that without sustained preparedness and resilience-building, the impact of future floods could worsen.

Outlook: Building a Resilient Nigeria

Authorities say the 2026 strategy focuses on building a disaster-resilient system that prioritises early action, coordination, and community involvement.

Ogunda concluded that disaster management is a shared responsibility requiring continuous collaboration across agencies and citizens.

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Five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have been submerged by floods, forcing authorities to warn residents along riverbanks to relocate to safer grounds.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, said 258 communities across eight local government areas are flood-prone. “Forty-two IDP camps have been constructed to take care of those to be displaced while an emergency operations centre has been opened,” he said.

Atimah warned that water releases from dams will worsen the situation. “In the next 72 hours, the state will be entering a difficult period,” he said, listing Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara as the worst-hit communities.

Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdullazeez, said the ministry has already begun fumigating IDP camps and mobilising health workers. “My ministry is aware that there may be outbreak of diseases or epidemic in the various IDP camps and we are fully prepared,” he said, commending Governor Usman Ododo for his quick interventions, which he noted prevented casualties during last year’s floods.

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The deployment, approved by NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, follows a recent assessment that identified critical operational gaps in some regional offices. According to a statement released by the agency’s Press Unit on Tuesday, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen disaster response infrastructure at the sub-national level.

“As climate-related emergencies, particularly flooding, become more frequent and severe, it is imperative that our emergency teams are fully equipped to deliver rapid, life-saving interventions,” Mrs. Umar stated.

Each MICU ambulance comes fitted with advanced life-support equipment, including oxygen delivery systems, patient monitoring technology, suction kits, and other critical tools designed to stabilise patients en route to medical facilities. The deployment was guided by detailed vulnerability analyses and logistical planning.

NEMA emphasised that this effort forms part of its wider commitment to building a resilient disaster management framework across the country.

With meteorological forecasts warning of potentially severe flooding in multiple states, the agency is accelerating its preparedness measures ranging from the upgrade of response infrastructure to community engagement programs and simulation drills.

The agency reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely and effective responses to emergencies, thereby safeguarding lives and livelihoods amid growing climate threats.

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