15 die in Cross River flooding

Fifteen people have lost their lives in severe flooding in 21 communities in Cross River in July and August this year.

The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr John Inaku, made the disclosure while assessing the extent of damage in flooded areas in Calabar South on Monday.



According to him, no fewer than 21 communities in 12 Local Government Areas in the state have been flooded with thousands of residents displaced.

“Between July and August this year, we have witnessed 217 flood cases in 21 communities in 12 Local Government Areas of the state.

“Sadly, 15 people have lost their lives to the tragic incidents. Seven died in Biase, four in Ogoja, three in Yala and one in Obubra Local Government Areas.
“We are appealing to the state and Federal Government to look into the plight of these people, particularly Biase people, where water washed away people while they were asleep.
“Some of the victims died as they went to harvest their farm produce while others died while trying to safeguard their canoes and fishing nets.’’

The director-general, however, warned residents in Calabar metropolis to stop dumping refuse in water channels, saying that such acts were blocking drainage and causing flooding.

NAN