By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Hundreds of residents displaced by persistent flooding in Cross River State have appealed for urgent government intervention as relentless rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Calabar and its surrounding communities.
For nearly two weeks, heavy downpours have battered the state capital, with rainfall in some areas beginning as early as 5:00 a.m., leaving homes submerged, property destroyed and families stranded.
Among those affected is the Cross River State Correspondent of The Telegraph, Clement James, whose residence was overrun by floodwaters after Thursday’s rainfall.
In Calabar South Local Government Area and communities including 8 Miles, Ikot Enebong, Ikot Nkebre and parts of Calabar Municipality, floodwaters have forced many residents from their homes while household belongings worth millions of naira have been lost.
The disaster comes barely a week after floodwaters claimed several lives, including five children from the same family in the Ikot Anwatim ravine. Similar devastation was recorded in Atimbo and other flood-prone communities, where homes were inundated and roofs blown off by violent storms.
Describing his ordeal, James said, “Today’s rain has completely overrun my house,” adding that floodwaters had engulfed both his compound and living quarters, destroying valuable household items.
The persistent rains have also disrupted commercial and official activities across the metropolis. While many women continued to brave the weather to trade at the early morning beach markets, numerous public offices recorded low attendance as flooded roads prevented many workers from reporting for duty.
Victims have appealed to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief, saying many families have been left without shelter or basic necessities.
During a visit to some of the affected communities, Governor Bassey Otu assured victims that the government would not abandon them.
“I know your state of mind, but I want to assure you that government will do everything possible to mitigate these circumstances and help you out of this situation,” the governor said.
He acknowledged the magnitude of the disaster, noting that the floods were a stark reminder of the realities of climate change.
Officials of the Ministry of Health have since commenced relief and public health interventions in affected communities, while residents continue to call for more comprehensive emergency assistance as forecasts indicate that the rainy season is yet to peak.
