NEMA, CR-SEMA Continue Joint Flood Assessment Across Central Cross River Communities

NEMA, CR-SEMA Continue Joint Flood Assessment Across Central Cross River Communities

By David Asu

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has continued its joint damage and needs assessment across flood-affected communities in Central Cross River to determine the extent of destruction caused by the recent heavy rainfall and identify communities requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.

The assessment, carried out on Thursday, July 23, 2026, covered communities in Ikom, Obubra, Biase and Akamkpa Local Government Areas, where the joint team inspected flood-damaged homes, farmlands and other critical infrastructure while interacting with community leaders and affected residents.

Leading the exercise, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, said the assessment formed part of the Cross River State Government's commitment to ensuring that no affected community is left behind in the ongoing disaster response efforts.

Mr. Nyong explained that the exercise was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the impact of the flooding to enable Government and humanitarian partners develop appropriate intervention measures for affected communities.

He assured residents that every observation made during the assessment would be properly documented and presented to the appropriate authorities, reaffirming that Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu remains committed to protecting lives, livelihoods and supporting communities affected by disasters across the state.

The assessment commenced in Ikom Local Government Area, where the team visited Bokomo Street in Ikom Town, Okuni Community and Okangha Mkpansi, inspecting flood-affected locations and interacting with residents to document losses recorded during the flooding.

Joining the exercise in Ikom was the Chairman of Ikom Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Mrs. Mercy Nsor, who commended NEMA, CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross for bringing the assessment directly to affected communities.

She described the exercise as timely and assured the assessment team of the Local Government's continued support in addressing disaster-related challenges within the area.

Speaking during the exercise, the Acting Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom/Cross River Operations Office, Mr. Austin Awoji, said the joint assessment was essential in producing credible situation reports that would guide appropriate emergency interventions.

He encouraged residents to remain vigilant during the peak of the rainy season and promptly report disaster incidents while adhering to safety advisories issued by emergency management agencies.

The team also visited Apiapum Community in Obubra Local Government Area, where they carried out a rapid assessment of flood-affected areas with the support of the Councillor representing Apiapum Ward, Hon. Coolest Sunday, who appreciated the agencies for identifying with the community and appealed for sustained Government intervention.

The assessment further extended to Adim Town and Ehom in Biase Local Government Area, where flood impacts on residential areas and means of livelihood were documented for subsequent humanitarian response.

Similarly, the delegation proceeded to Nkonemba in Mbarakom II, Akamkpa Local Government Area, where another rapid assessment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the flooding and identify priority needs of affected residents.

Throughout the exercise, the Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Agbor Okim, sensitized residents on disaster preparedness and encouraged vulnerable communities to embrace early warning measures, environmental sanitation and timely evacuation whenever flood threats become imminent.

Also contributing, the Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, CR-SEMA, Mrs. Diepreye Kerian Obo, emphasized the importance of accurate damage documentation, noting that comprehensive assessments remain critical to effective humanitarian planning and the equitable distribution of relief assistance.

The joint assessment reaffirmed the commitment of NEMA, CR-SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and relevant stakeholders to strengthening disaster preparedness, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and ensuring that vulnerable communities across Cross River State receive timely support in the aftermath of disasters.