Rivers Communities Appeal For Help …As Flood Submerges Houses, Washes Off Farmlands

Reports reading The Tide Environment Desk have it that about 11 houses and farmlands have been washed off by flood at Sogho and Opuoko communities, all in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. Some indigenes of the communities who spoke to The Tide on the incident put their losses at millions of naira.
A community leader in the area, Chief Armstrong Kpornee described the incident as one of the worst in the area.
He said no fewer than 11 houses were submerged at several farmlands and Kpornee appealed to the state and Federal Governments for intervention.
“We are appealing to the state and Federal Governments to intervene immediately in order to save the residents from hardship and homelessness”.
“Right now, we are left with nothing as our farmlands have been destroyed by the flood”, he said.
He disclosed that prices of food items in these areas have gone up, adding that, “we cannot afford such hardship now that we don’t have money. Since this incident, we have been assisted by relatives since the government has not provided us with shetter and relief materials yet”.
Another victim, Madam Yerakpoa Ebueba lamented their losses and the harsh condition they are experiencing currently since the flood ravaged their communities, urging the Federal Government to declare the affected areas a disaster zone.
She said cost of living has risen as a basin of garri here in Opuoko now sells for N16,500 as against N8,000 before the flood, adding that, it will be difficult for the poor people who are the worst hit to cope.
Mr Barinadaa Ndor, whose building was submerged by the flood told The Tide that his source of livelihood as well as other members of the two communities has been destroyed, expressing fear of an outbreak of epidemics because dead domestic animals have not been properly disposed off in the affected communities.
However, The Tide gathered that relief materials brought by some philanthropists in the areas to help the victims were allegedly diverted by some other communities that were not affected by the flood.
As at the time of filling this report, the South South zonal coordinator of the National emergency management Agency (NEMA) Mr Brandon Walson could not be reached for comment as his phone line was switched off.

By: Bethel Toby