Persistent rainfall across parts of Cross River State, particularly in Calabar, has left many residents homeless, displaced families and destroyed property.
For nearly two weeks, heavy downpours have occurred almost daily, with rainfall in some areas beginning as early as 5:00 a.m., worsening flooding in low-lying communities.
Among those affected is the Cross River State Correspondent of The Telegraph, Clement James, who appealed for urgent assistance after floodwaters overwhelmed his home.
In Calabar South Local Government Area and communities including 8 Miles, Ikot Enebong, Ikot Nkebre and parts of Calabar Municipality, homes have been submerged, forcing residents to flee while household valuables and other property were destroyed.
Last week, flooding claimed several lives, including five children from the same family in the Ikot Anwatim ravine. Similar destruction was recorded in flood-prone communities such as Atimbo, where houses were inundated and roofs blown off by heavy storms.
Speaking on his ordeal, James said, “Today’s rain has completely overrun my house.”
He appealed to the state government and emergency agencies to intervene, saying floodwaters had engulfed his compound and home, destroying household belongings.
The persistent rainfall has also disrupted economic activities across the city. While many women continued to brave the early morning beach markets to support their families, several government offices recorded low attendance as civil servants were unable to report for duty due to flooded roads and inaccessible neighbourhoods.
Affected residents have appealed to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for urgent relief, saying many families have been left without shelter and have lost virtually everything to the floods.
Governor Bassey Otu, who recently visited some of the affected communities, sympathised with the victims and assured them of government support.
“I know your state of mind, but I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to mitigate these circumstances and help you out of this situation,” the governor said.
He acknowledged the severity of the disaster, describing it as an effect of climate change.
“What we are seeing now is climate change for real. We prepared for flooding, but not this early or at this magnitude. The government is deeply sorry. We share in your pain completely,” Otu added.
Cross River: Residents cry for help as flood destroy homes, claim lives in Calabar
