Mr Ime Inyang (APC- Cross River) representing Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency says no fewer than 5,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood to flooding in Urugbam community of Biase LGA of Cross River.
The federal lawmaker made the disclosure during the distribution of palliatives to the residents by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Urugbam yesterday.
Inyang said several buildings were also destroyed by the flood which is 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 against the impact of the flood.
“We understand this won’t go round but we are appreciative of the federal government effort through NEMA on this palliative,” he stated.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, said the release of the palliatives came following earlier assessments of the impact of the flood by the interventionist agency.
Represented by Mrs Mmendu Aisuene, the agency’s head of operations in Uyo, the NEMA boss appealed to the people to always heed to flood warnings.
According to her, “I know these palliatives won’t do the magic, but it will go a long way to cushion the effect of the flood.
“I want to also appeal to you to always listen to warning 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 also avoid erecting structures on water ways.”
Meanwhile, the community says the distribution of the 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 aide, said they are yet to get over the destruction left behind by the flood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the item distributed are rice, garri, seasoning, groundnut oil, among others. (NAN)
