From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, yesterday, called for immediate intervention to assist thousands of residents displaced by severe flood in the district.
Senator Nwoko described the situation as desperate, with displaced residents taking refuge in makeshift shelters, schools and elevated areas.
According to him, “Several communities in Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas of Delta North Senatorial District have been severely affected by flood, leaving residents displaced from their homes and in dire need of emergency support.
“The affected communities, including Oko-Amakom, Oko-Obiokpu, Oko-Anala, Oko-Ogbele, Oko-Odifulu, Aika-Ezeolu, Abala-Oshimili, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, Okpokrika-Ogbesu, Abala-Obodo Umuoru, Abala-Uno, Adiai-Obiaka, Benekuku, Utuoku, Onyah, Ase, and Ibedeni, have been completely submerged as the River Niger and its adjoining creeks overflow their banks;
“Many residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters and elevated areas, including primary schools, while others were forced to sleep outdoors or on platforms, awaiting the opening of official Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps.”
Nwoko emphasised the urgent need for federal intervention. As part of the prayers, the Senate urged the relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to immediately provide emergency relief to the affected communities, including food, clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelter, to address the urgent needs of displaced residents.
He also called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to expedite the establishment of fully equipped IDP camps in the flood-hit areas, ensuring that displaced persons are provided with safe and secure accommodations.
Nwoko also urged the Federal Ministry of Works to consider dredging the River Niger and constructing embankments along the floodplain to provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area and other parts of the country.
