Environment
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
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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