Cross River State Seeks $25 Million for Landslide and Flood Recovery at UN Climate Conference

Cross River State officials have presented their case for international aid at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17 in Mongolia, seeking $25 million to address the devastating impact of recent landslide and flood disasters. The state government's "Cross River Restore Hope Initiative" outlines a comprehensive plan for emergency response, ecological restoration, and enhancing long-term resilience.

Two members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Martins Achadu and Catherine Ubi, are pitching the proposal to potential investors and partners at the conference. The initiative aims to tackle the immediate humanitarian crises caused by the disasters, while also addressing the underlying environmental and infrastructure vulnerabilities that have exacerbated risks of flooding, erosion, and landslides.

The appeal comes after a period of prolonged heavy rainfall triggered severe landslides and floods across Calabar and surrounding communities between July and August. Tragically, a landslide at Ikot Anwatim reportedly claimed the lives of five people, including four children from the same family, and destroyed two homes. Another landslide at Boro Pit/Satellite Town resulted in the death of a child and significant property damage. Flooding also displaced over 15 households in communities like Ekorinim 2, with a one-month-old baby swept away by floodwaters.

The proposed $25 million recovery plan, to be implemented over 36 months, includes allocations for humanitarian protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and household recovery. Significant funds are earmarked for emergency slope stabilization, critical drainage and erosion control works, risk mapping, geotechnical studies, and early-warning systems. Additionally, the plan focuses on watershed, forest, riparian, wetland, and urban nature-based restoration, alongside resilient community infrastructure.