Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has disclosed that approximately 150 communities across the state are currently battling the devastating effects of flooding, resulting in significant loss of lives and property worth millions of Naira.
The governor made this revelation during a Stakeholders Engagement on the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign for Flood Disaster and Related Hazards held at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar.
"Flooding is one of the most frequent occurrences which has claimed lives and property worth millions of Naira in the 150 communities across the state," Governor Otu stated, adding that the disaster has severely impacted residential buildings, farmlands, and public infrastructure.
Multiple Disaster Challenges
According to the governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Cross River State faces 12 active disaster types. These include not only flooding but also windstorms, landslides, communal clashes, fires, gully erosions, and both road and marine accidents.
Otu lamented that this high portfolio of catastrophic disasters is significantly hampering the economic and social development of the state.
National Response Initiative
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, represented by Mr. Joseph Ugwu, explained that the campaign was initiated in response to predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) warning of impending heavy rains within the year.
"These rains are capable of causing catastrophic flood disasters across the country," Umar noted.
The governor promised to support the extension of this proactive campaign to all communities in the state through the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CRSEMA). The initiative aims to educate residents on mitigation and response strategies in the event of flooding.
As Nigeria enters the rainy season, authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to minimize potential damage and loss of life.
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