2022 Flood Outlook: Fear Grips Engenni Communities

Fear has gripped some communities in Engenni Kingdom, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, following prediction by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that the area risks flooding this year.
NHISA had in its 2022 flood prediction, classified Rivers State, and specifically, Ahoada West, as highly probable floor risk state and local government area.
Speaking with The Tide, some residents of the area said the situation has caused panic, especially among farmers who have resorted to panic harvesting.
They also alleged that some persons have started erecting makeshift structures with a view to relocating to them when the flood comes.
The residents also called for government support to cushion negative effect of the pandemic.
Speaking, Prince Sodin Akiagba, a resident of Joinkrama community, said fear has gripped the communities, especially as the area had suffered from previous flood disasters.
Akiagba said more than 21 communities would be affected by the impending flood disasters.
He said his people are now resorting to self-help as there was no help from any quarters.
According to him, “We have received no support from anywhere”.
He said previous flood in the area has led to the displacement of thousands of residents, stressing that people have lost their means of livelihood as well as their property.
“Some people have not only lost their means of livelihood but even residential facilities have been affected”.
Akiagba stressed the need for the government to come to the aid of his people by providing permanent internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“Permanent internally displaced persons camps should now be put in place where people can be accommodated temporarily when the flood comes”.
Akiagba also called for crops that can be harvested within three to five months to be introduced while the Orashi River be dredged to ensure for free flow of waters.
He said annual flooding in the area normally come with mosquitoes, thereby creating big health challenge for his people.
Akiagba also urged for regular sensitisations of the people on the effect of the impending flood disasters.
The zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) could not be reached for comment but a staff of the agency said that NEMA was on top of the situation.

By; John Bibor