5,000 Farmers Lose Livelihood As Flood Ravages C’River Community
A member representing Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Ime Inyang, has disclosed that no fewer than 5,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood to flooding in the Urugbam community of Biase LGA of Cross River State.
The federal lawmaker spoke during the distribution of palliatives to the residents by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Urugbam on Wednesday.
Inyang said several buildings were also destroyed by the flood which is the worst in the history of the community.
Represented by Mr Gabriel Owali, the lawmaker who facilitated the palliatives, noted that aside from NEMA, the people have not gotten any other intervention to cushion against the impact of the flood.
“We understand this won’t go around but we are appreciative of the federal government effort through NEMA on these palliatives,” he stated.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the release of the palliatives came following earlier assessments of the impact of the flood by the interventionist agency.
Represented by the agency’s head of operations in Uyo, Mrs Mmendu Aisuene, the NEMA boss appealed to the people to always heed flood warnings.
“I know these palliatives won’t do the magic, but it will go a long way to cushion the effect of the flood. I want to also appeal to you to always listen to warnings against flood by the federal government, if not for nothing but to save lives and other valuables.
“Am also telling us to avoid blocking the drainage channels and also avoid erecting structures on waterways.”
Meanwhile, the community said the distribution of the palliatives by NEMA took them by surprise as they have had to rely on relatives to feed.
A resident, Mr Okonli Ukan, while commending the federal government for coming to their aid, said they are yet to get over the destruction left behind by the flood. (NAN)
5,000 Farmers Lose Livelihood As Flood Ravages C’River Community is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
