Natural disasters, human activities displaced 347 in Cross River – SEMA

The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr Efa Nyong has disclosed that 347 people have been made homeless in the state following natural disasters and human activities.

Nyong spoke to journalists in Calabar, Tuesday, saying torrential downpours have led to mudslides that ravaged residential buildings, while flash floods swept through several communities in August.

Nyong said the figure comprised 167 persons rendered homeless by mudslide in Calabar and about 180 internally displaced persons, IDPs, affected by heavy rainfall in the Central Senatorial District.

He said the victims were currently being sheltered at various locations across Calabar and parts of the Central Senatorial District, noting that he had already visited communities in the Southern and Central Senatorial Districts to sensitise residents on disaster prevention.

“We have plans to extend the sensitisation campaign to the Northern Senatorial District. Thereafter, we’ll roll out a statewide advocacy drive using billboards, radio jingles and town criers,” he said.

On the cost of the destruction, Nyong said, “We cannot quantify it because if you want to bring it back to what it was, we don’t know the current state of the naira.”

Nyong also decried unrestrained dumping of refuse into drains as a major cause of flooding, warning that its effects are often felt far from the points of disposal.

“When people throw waste indiscriminately, it may not show its impact immediately where it is dumped. Its impact could be a couple of kilometres away,” he said.

Nyong also spoke about devastating impacts of the many infernos which razed business premises, offices and homes

He advised residents to always switch off unused appliances, replace faulty cables and bulbs promptly, and upgrade wiring where necessary.

He said where they cannot manage disasters at state level, they appeal to NEMA.

“Beyond the federal, we will seek international assistance. The Nigerian Red Cross Society is a key partner who provides shelter for displaced persons.”