FG promises to find lasting solution to floods in Akwa Ibom

Five persons were confirmed dead while more than 200 sustained injuries following massive flooding in four coastal communities in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom.

The flood, resulting from a downpour on August 11, led to an ocean surge that damaged economic trees, household property and buildings worth millions of naira.

Mr Umesi Emenike, South/South Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told pressmen on Friday in Port Harcourt that Itak Abasi, Iwokpom, Okoro Itak, and Ikot Inwang were affected.

Emenike, who led a search-and-rescue team to the area, said the disaster in the fishing communities was immense, adding that the sources of livelihood of the people had been destroyed.

"Some of their fishing boats and fishing nets were swept away. Others were also destroyed and some were buried in the ground.

"The only source of clean water, a mono pump, was swept away and the local water pond contaminated by the sea water," he said.

Emenike also disclosed that public institutions such as primary schools and health centres were destroyed.

The NEMA official said there were fears of more riverside communities close to the Atlantic Ocean experiencing the same surge if measures were not taken

"What took place in Ibeno is one of the consequences of climate change and more communities living close to the Atlantic Ocean are likely to face the same situation if urgent actions are not taken,'' he said.

He called for the execution of shore protection and land reclamation projects in vulnerable communities through the allocation of special funds.

Emenike advised residents of coastal communities to imbibe the culture of tree planting, adding that they should also take advantage of other proactive measures to protect their environment.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Charles Agbo who visited the site promised that the government will find a lasting solution to the problem.

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