Rainstorm Destroys 60 Buildings In Calabar

The Cross River State
Emergency Management Agency said last Monday that rainstorm had destroyed not less than 60 residential buildings and public structures in Calabar in the last one week.
The statement by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was made available to newsmen in Calabar.
SEMA Deputy Director in charge of information, Mr David Akate, said in the statement that perimeter fences, roads and school buildings were damaged due to the intensity of the rain.
According to the statement, the areas affected were Ikot Ansa, Ikot Eneobong, Ikot Nkebre and Big Qua Town in Calabar Municipality as well as some parts of Calabar South.
“The flood disaster is attributed to the blockage of drains and other water ways as well as the construction of buildings along flood-prone areas.
“Also affected are 11 vehicles, including a brand new car owned by the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Mr John Orim.”
“The traumatic experience is coming at a time the state government was committing huge amount of human and material resources towards the rehabilitation and construction of roads and drainages across the state capital,’’ he said.
The statement also quoted SEMA the Director-General, Mr Vincent Aquah, as saying that the incidence was due to the blocked drains within the city centre.
He, therefore, advised residents to adhere to the campaign against indiscriminate waste disposal and other harmful environmental practices, while advising motorists to stay clear of flooded roads.
He warned parents not to allow children to play around flooded drainages and ponds, saying that such acts might be hazardous and could lead to possible death.