NEMA Links Flooding in Cross River to Blocked Drainages

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has attributed the recurring floods in Cross River State to blocked drainage systems, primarily caused by improper waste disposal. During an assessment of flood-affected communities in Calabar Municipal and Calabar South Local Government Area following heavy rainfall, NEMA's head of operations, Mr. Aisueni Mmandu, emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels exacerbates flooding.

He urged residents to refrain from such practices, particularly the use of non-biodegradable materials that obstruct water flow. NEMA plans to intensify flood sensitization efforts across all 18 local government areas in the state and proposed the creation of a multi-agency WhatsApp platform for timely information sharing during emergencies.

Recent floods reportedly claimed two lives and left several others hospitalized. Efa Nyong, Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, assured affected residents that government interventions would commence to assess damages.

James Ekabua from the Ministry of Environment noted that unplanned development and human activities contribute to the flooding issues.