Urgent Federal Aid Needed for Cross River Landslide Crisis

Rt Hon Joseph Bassey, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness and representative for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, has urged for immediate federal and international emergency intervention in Cross River State due to severe landslides and flooding. He stated that the destruction has surpassed the state's ability to respond effectively.

Bassey noted that his committee had anticipated increased flood risks and had taken proactive measures, including notifying the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for disaster assessments. NEMA has since conducted simulations and identified vulnerable areas in Cross River.

Bassey praised Governor Bassey Otu for his swift response, including personal inspections of affected areas and initiating remedial work. He emphasized that the scale of destruction necessitates national support and international assistance, as no other region in Nigeria has faced landslides of this magnitude.

Bassey also called for public awareness and adherence to evacuation advisories in disaster-prone communities.