Governor Otu Commends CR-SEMA's Swift Response, Orders Immediate Intervention for Flood Victims

Governor Otu Commends CR-SEMA's Swift Response, Orders Immediate Intervention for Flood Victims

By David Asu

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, on Sunday conducted an extensive on-the-spot assessment of communities affected by the recent flood and landslide disasters in Calabar, where he commended the prompt response of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) under the leadership of its Director General, Mr. Efa Nyong.

The Governor, accompanied by the Director General of CR-SEMA, senior government officials, engineers from the Ministry of Works, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other stakeholders, visited several communities devastated by the heavy rainfall to assess the extent of the damage and reassure affected residents of Government's commitment to providing relief and lasting solutions.

Communities visited during the assessment included Elijah Henshaw Street, Webber Street, Atu Street, Ibesikpo Street, Mayne Avenue by Atakpa, and other flood-affected locations across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South.

During the inspection, Governor Otu interacted with residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected by the flood while also visiting the family of the woman who lost her one-year-three-month-old child after the child was swept away by floodwaters at Elijah Henshaw Street.

The Governor expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and other victims of the disaster, assuring them that Government would not abandon them in their moment of grief.

Speaking during the assessment, Governor Otu commended the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, and his team for their swift response since the disasters occurred.

He noted that the Agency's prompt assessments and continuous presence at affected communities had provided Government with the necessary information required to take timely decisions.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the welfare of Cross Riverians remains paramount under his People's First Mantra.

He disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to commence the evacuation of displaced persons from the affected communities beginning Monday, while Government continues to develop both immediate and long-term interventions to reduce the impact of future flooding.

Governor Otu further directed that comprehensive assessments of all affected locations be completed to guide Government's response and ensure that assistance reaches those genuinely impacted.

While briefing the Governor, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, highlighted various assessments already conducted by the Agency following the flood and landslide incidents across the state.

Mr. Nyong informed the Governor that CR-SEMA had maintained a continuous presence in affected communities, working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Environment, security agencies and other stakeholders to document damages and identify the immediate needs of victims.

He assured the Governor that the Agency would continue to coordinate emergency response activities while strengthening public sensitization on flood preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

Residents who spoke during the visit appreciated the Governor's presence and thanked CR-SEMA and other responding agencies for standing with them throughout the difficult period.