NEMA assess flood damage in Cross River riverine communities

National and state emergency management agencies have conducted a joint assessment of flood-damaged riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) collaborated with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to evaluate the impact of recent flooding.

The assessment focused on the damage to cocoa farmlands, which are the primary source of livelihood for many residents, and the overall impact on the community's well-being. The team, led by Awoji Austin from NEMA and Efa Nyong from CR-SEMA, traveled by boat to reach the affected areas, accessible only by water.

“

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.

Austin stated that the visit was crucial for generating credible data to inform humanitarian assistance and recovery planning. He assured residents that the findings would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary intervention. Nyong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for firsthand information to guide the state government's response.

“

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.

Community leaders, such as Clan Head Ntufam Patrick Eteta of Itaka Community, commended the agencies for their efforts despite the challenging terrain. Eteta highlighted the destruction of cocoa plantations, leaving many farmers struggling.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society's Disaster Management Officer, Agbor Okim, also engaged with community members, sensitizing them on disaster preparedness, early reporting of emergencies, and the importance of community participation in disaster risk reduction.

“

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.