NEMA, CR-SEMA, Nigerian Red Cross Conduct Joint Flood Damage Assessment in Etung Riverine Communities

NEMA, CR-SEMA, Nigerian Red Cross Conduct Joint Flood Damage Assessment in Etung Riverine 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 conducted a joint damage and needs assessment in flood-affected riverine communities of Etung Local Government Area to evaluate the impact of recent flooding on farmlands and livelihoods as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate appropriate humanitarian intervention.

The assessment, carried out on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was led by the Acting Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom and Cross River Operations Office, Mr. Awoji Austin, alongside the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, with officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society providing technical support and community access due to their longstanding presence within the riverine communities.

Because the affected settlements are only accessible by water, the assessment team travelled by boat across the river to reach the impacted communities.

The first point of assessment was Itaka Community, where the delegation was warmly received by the Clan Head, Ntufam Patrick Eteta, alongside community leaders and residents.

Welcoming the team, Ntufam Eteta appreciated NEMA, CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society for identifying with the community despite the difficult terrain, describing the visit as a demonstration that Government had not forgotten the people.

He lamented that the recent flooding had destroyed large portions of cocoa plantations, which serve as the major source of livelihood for residents, leaving many farming families facing severe economic hardship.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, said the assessment was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the disaster and conveying the true situation of the affected communities to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for appropriate Government intervention.

Mr. Nyong assured residents that the State Government remains committed to protecting lives and livelihoods, noting that CR-SEMA would continue working with NEMA and humanitarian partners to ensure that disaster-affected communities receive the necessary attention.

He encouraged residents to continue reporting disaster incidents promptly and to support efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks within their communities.

Also addressing residents, the Acting Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom and Cross River Operations Office, Mr. Awoji Austin, explained that the exercise formed part of a comprehensive damage and needs assessment being conducted across affected communities to provide credible data that would guide humanitarian interventions and recovery planning.

He assured residents that the findings from the assessment would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

The Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Agbor Okim, educated community members on disaster preparedness and emphasized the importance of early reporting of emergencies, community participation and adherence to safety measures aimed at reducing disaster risks.

Similarly, the Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at CR-SEMA, Mrs. Deipreye Obo, sensitized residents on practical measures for disaster risk reduction, encouraging communities to strengthen local preparedness and remain vigilant during the peak of the rainy season.

The assessment team later proceeded to Mkpot Community, where they were received by the Clan Head, Ntufam Innocent Akim, who thanked the visiting agencies for undertaking the difficult journey to assess the situation firsthand.

Ntufam Akim explained that flooding had equally devastated cocoa farms within the community, threatening the livelihoods of numerous families whose survival depends largely on agricultural production.

The joint team thereafter inspected several flood-ravaged farmlands in Mkpot to verify the extent of the destruction and interact directly with affected farmers as part of the ongoing assessment.

The exercise further demonstrates the strong collaboration between NEMA, CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society in strengthening disaster response, improving humanitarian coordination and ensuring that vulnerable communities across Cross River State receive timely attention through evidence-based interventions.