Member representing Biase/Akamkpa Federal Constituency, Mr Ime Inyang (APC- Cross River) said no fewer than 5,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood to flood in Urugbam community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The federal lawmaker made the disclosure during the distribution of palliatives to residents by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in Urugbam, yesterday.
Inyang said several buildings were also destroyed by flood which was the worst in the history of the community.
Represented by Mr Gabriel Owali, the lawmaker, who facilitated the palliatives, noted that aside NEMA, the people have not gotten any other intervention to cushion the impact of the flood.
“We understand that this won’t go round, but we are appreciative of the federal government’s effort through NEMA,” he stated.
Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the release of the palliatives followed an earlier assessment of the impact of the flood by the interventionist agency.
Represented by the agency’s Head of Operations in Uyo, Mrs Mmendu Aisuene, the NEMA boss appealed to the people to always heed to flood warnings.
According to her, “I know this palliatives won’t do the magic, but it will go a long way to cushion the effects of the flood.
“I want to also appeal to you to always listen to warnings against flood by the federal government, if not for nothing, but to save lives and other valuables.
“I am also telling us to avoid blocking the drainage channels and erecting structures on water ways.”
Meanwhile, the community said the distribution of palliatives by NEMA took them by surprise as they have had to rely on relatives to feed.
A resident, Mr Okonli Ukan, while commending the federal government for coming to their aid, said they are yet to get over the destruction left behind by the flood.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that among the items distributed are rice, garri, seasonings, groundnut oil, among others.(NAN)
