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 Enugu State Emergency Management Agency has assured residents of its readiness to tackle potential flooding as the rainy season approaches, citing a series of proactive measures already in place across the state.

This assurance comes as the Enugu State Government intensifies efforts to strengthen disaster response systems and minimize the impact of flooding on communities.

Speaking on the state’s preparedness, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chinasa Mbah, said the government has taken deliberate steps to build resilience at both the state and community levels.

Central to these efforts is the training of Local Emergency Management Committee members across all 17 local government areas. The capacity-building programme, approved by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, was conducted earlier in the year under the theme “Building and Strengthening Emergency Resilience in Enugu State.”

Mbah explained that the initiative was designed to equip stakeholders with the skills needed to respond effectively to both natural and human-induced disasters.

Beyond training, the agency has strengthened collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to expand community engagement efforts.

She emphasized that local residents often serve as first responders during emergencies, making public awareness a critical component of disaster management.

As part of its sensitisation drive, the agency has rolled out campaigns in flood-prone communities, including radio jingles and grassroots engagement in partnership with local government authorities and traditional rulers.

The state government is also investing in infrastructure to reduce flooding risks. According to SEMA, ongoing road construction projects now incorporate proper drainage systems to improve water flow and limit the impact of heavy rainfall.

In addition, emergency relief materials are being stockpiled to ensure swift response and support for affected residents if flooding occurs.

Authorities say these combined measures reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable communities.

With forecasts pointing to increased rainfall in parts of Nigeria, the state’s proactive approach is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating potential disasters.

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A joint inter-agency team comprising officials from the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society has concluded an on-the-ground assessment of communities severely affected by recent flooding in parts of Sokoto State.

The rapid assessment followed distress reports from Gada Local Government Area, where torrential rains caused widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and critical public infrastructure in several communities, including Gada, Tsitse, and Gilbade.

According to local ward representatives—Kabiru Usman (Gada), Sahabi Abdullahi (Tsitse), and Ahmed Tambari (Gilbade), the joint mission aims to guide both state and federal authorities in coordinating timely relief interventions and long-term recovery strategies.

Led by Sokoto SEMA officials, the team documented extensive losses, including the displacement of thousands and the submergence of agricultural lands at the peak of the harvest season. Preliminary data indicate that at least 2,814 residents were directly impacted by the floods, with hundreds of hectares of farmland rendered unusable.

Tragically, the flooding claimed the lives of two children and one elderly person, while 11 others sustained injuries. The destruction extended to key infrastructure, including a community mosque in Dantudu Bobawa and several public schools among them Damarki Primary School, Tunga Primary School, and Musuki Primary School which suffered structural damage.

Emergency agencies say the findings will form the basis for a coordinated response effort, including the distribution of relief materials and the design of climate-resilient infrastructure in flood-prone areas.

The Sokoto State Government is expected to announce its next steps in the coming days, as humanitarian organizations and development partners prepare to scale up support for affected communities.

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The alert follows predictions from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which forecast a five-day rainfall that could trigger severe flooding in the state.

SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, announced in a statement released on Friday in Makurdi, urging residents in high-risk areas to take precautionary measures. The affected areas include Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, and Abinsi.

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Iorpuu emphasized the importance of adhering to the warning, assuring the public that SEMA, with support from Governor Hyacinth Alia, will ensure that disaster-affected citizens are provided for.

Designated Relocation Camps Announced

The SEMA chief also listed designated camps where at-risk residents can seek shelter:

• Makurdi: Kanshio, Logo 1 & 2, Achussa, Judges Quarters, and areas around BSU should move to the Makurdi International Market along George Akume Road.
• Wurukum: Residents of Kucha Utebe, Brewery, Gyado Villa, Mu, and Wurukum are advised to relocate to LGEA Primary School, Wurukum (popularly known as “Suswam Thank You”).
• Wadata: Residents of Rice Mill, Agboughu, Tionsha, and Wadata should move to NKST Primary School, Wadata.
• North Bank: Residents should relocate to Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
• Abinsi and Gbajimba: Relocate to LGEA Primary School, Abinsi, and Government Secondary School, Gbajimba, respectively.
• Otukpo and Agatu: Otukpo residents should move to Saint Francis premises, while those in Agatu are urged to relocate to Oweto.
• Ugbokolo, Ogbokpo, Mbapa, and Uikpam: Residents should seek higher ground nearby where they can be reached by SEMA teams.

READ ALSO: NDDC to Build Emergency Shelters Amid Flooding

The warning comes as part of the agency’s efforts to prompt proactive measures and mitigate the impacts of both human-induced and natural disasters in the state.

The post SEMA Warns Benue Residents Near River Benue to Relocate Amid Flood Risk appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Chief Onyeneke made this call during a press briefing in Owerri on Sunday, where he emphasized the need for rural dwellers to be properly educated on precautionary measures against flooding.

He highlighted the importance of proactive measures such as clearing waterways of refuse and other obstructions.

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Expressing concern over the apparent lack of preparation among residents, Chief Onyeneke urged both state and local governments to provide support to vulnerable communities. He suggested the establishment of make-shift camps in riverine areas to provide emergency shelter for those displaced by floods.

Furthermore, Chief Onyeneke called on government agencies and non-governmental organizations to engage in extensive public awareness campaigns.

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He stressed the importance of educating the public on ways to protect the environment and farmland from the destructive effects of flooding.

As the rainy season intensifies, Chief Onyeneke’s plea serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding in Imo State.

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