The National Emergency Management Agency and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency have assessed the impact of recent flooding on riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The joint exercise, conducted in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, was aimed at determining the extent of damage caused by the floods and identifying the immediate needs of affected residents.
The assessment team, led by the Acting Head of Operations of NEMA’s Akwa Ibom and Cross River Operations Office, Awoji Austin, and the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, travelled by boat to the affected communities, which are accessible only by waterways.
Austin said the exercise would provide reliable data to guide humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts.
He said, “This visit is very essential. It forms part of our comprehensive damage and needs assessment designed to generate reliable information for humanitarian assistance and recovery planning to all the communities affected by flood.”
The NEMA official assured residents that the findings from the exercise would be forwarded to relevant authorities for appropriate action.
He added, “We are here to make findings. Our job is to ensure we forward the information we have gathered to appropriate authorities for necessary actions to the affected victims. Be assured that NEMA in collaboration with our sister agencies will do everything to assist in one way or the other.”
The CR-SEMA Director-General, Nyong, said the assessment was necessary to obtain firsthand information on the level of destruction and provide the state government with accurate data for intervention.
“We are here to carry out assessment and obtain firsthand information on the level of damage caused by the flood that ravaged several communities. We will then send this credible data gathered in the field to the Cross River State government for appropriate intervention,” Nyong said.
The team visited Itaka Community, where the Clan Head, Ntufam Patrick Eteta, commended the agencies for undertaking the assessment despite the difficult terrain.
Eteta said the floods had severely affected cocoa plantations, which provide the main source of income for many residents, leaving farming families facing serious economic challenges.
The delegation also visited Mkpot Community, where its Clan Head, Ntufam Innocent Akim, appreciated the officials for making the journey to assess the situation.
During the exercise, the officials inspected damaged cocoa farms and engaged farmers and other residents to gather information on the impact of the disaster and the assistance required.
The Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Agbor Okim, also sensitised residents on disaster preparedness, prompt reporting of emergencies and the importance of community involvement in reducing disaster risks.
Nyong urged residents to report disasters promptly and support measures aimed at preventing or reducing the impact of future emergencies.
Flooding remains a recurring challenge in parts of Cross River State, particularly in riverine communities during the rainy season.
The disaster has repeatedly affected homes, farms and cocoa plantations, disrupting the livelihoods of residents who depend largely on agriculture.
