NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess Landslide Damage at Blake's Resort

NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess Landslide Damage at Blake's Resort

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 an on-the-spot assessment of a landslide that severely damaged the uncompleted Blake's Resort at Marina Resort, Calabar.

The assessment, carried out today, was led by the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, alongside the Acting Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom/Cross River Operations Office, Mr. Austin Awoji and representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

At Blake's Resort, the delegation inspected the extensive destruction caused by the landslide, which affected parts of the nearly completed facility that was scheduled for commissioning next week. 

The incident destroyed sections of the roof and other parts of the structure, with property worth millions of naira damaged.

Speaking during the assessment, the Facility Manager of the resort, explained that the landslide originated from the hillside near the Naval Base before cascading downhill and crashing into the building, leaving significant structural damage in its wake.

Addressing officials during the visit, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, expressed concern over the increasing incidence of landslides across parts of Calabar, describing the situation as a reminder of the need for continuous environmental monitoring and proactive mitigation measures.

He assured the management of the facility that the findings of the assessment would form part of recommendations to the appropriate authorities while urging residents and developers in vulnerable locations to promptly report visible signs of erosion and ground movement before they escalate into disasters.

Also speaking, the Acting Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom and Cross River Operations Office, Mr. Austin Awoji, described the incident as unfortunate and assured the affected facility that the joint assessment would provide the necessary information required for appropriate recommendations and possible intervention. 

He urged residents and property owners in erosion-prone areas to remain vigilant, promptly report early warning signs of landslides and avoid activities capable of worsening environmental degradation, stressing that disaster risk reduction remains a collective responsibility.

The assessment team later proceeded to Anansa Road, where they inspected the expanding gully erosion that has continued to threaten nearby residential buildings.

The team observed that one of the buildings located dangerously close to the gully had already suffered partial structural collapse, raising fresh concerns over the safety of occupants and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further destruction.