NDOKWA EAST FLOOD UPDATE: Two Persons Killed , Farmlands , Livestock Consumed By Disaster

At least two persons have been reportedly killed in the ongoing flood ravaging Ndokwa East communities of Delta State.

Primarily,there are indications that  scarcity of consumables has also taken its toll on the people of the affected communities  as food and portable drinking water are unavailable.

According to a  statement e-signed by the Chairman, Ndokwa East LGA , Juan Amechee Governor on Sunday, explained that:”It is with a heavy heart that we bring you this updates from the office of the Executive Chairman of Ndokwa East LGA, Aboh, Delta State Nigeria.

“Within the last few days, we have recorded two deaths as a result of the floods in our LGA. One of them is a lady in her 40s from ward 5 (Akarai to be specific) while the other one is a young boy from Otuoku community in ward 6.

 

” We commiserate with the families as we commit the Souls of the departed to the hands of God. May their soul rest in perfect peace, Amen! ”

 

The chairman further disclosed that the farmland within the communities under Ndokwa East have been consumed by the flood adding that few persons across the LGA have relocated from their communities to relatives and friends in unaffected towns and cities.

 

He noted that these persons were evacuated through self-efforts, community efforts and few cases of Council assisted evacuation.

 

While explaining the extent of impacts on the wards and communities under the LGA , Governor disclosed that In Ward 1 comprising Umu Osimili Ossissa, Umuleke Ossisa, Umu Eze Ossisa, Olao Ossisa, Umu Uno and Umu Okolo, their entire farm lands have been flooded while about 20 % of the communities have been covered by flood displacing ninety five (95) households.

 

“In Ward 2 comprising Afor Umuachi, Iselegu, Obikwele, Afor Ogbedigbo, Afor Okolori, Afor Obetim, Afor Umuachi Ogo, Afor Ogbeti also had all their farmlands taken over by the floods with about 40 % of the communities have been covered by flood displacing a hundred and six (106) households.

 

“Ward 3 comprises of Aballa Osimili, Aballa Obodo, Aballa Uno, Inyi and Onuabor. While has all their farmlands has been covered by the floods, the communities are totally displaced rendering ive hundred and fifty eight (558) households homeless.

 

“Ward 4 is made up of Okpai, Beneku and Utchi clans. All the farmlands in the ward are now covered by the floods while the communities are totally displaced rendering over four hundred and fifty nine (459) households displaced.

 

“Ward 5 is made up of Aboh, Umuti, Afiankwor, Okpokirika Ozizor, Akarai Etiti and Akarai Obodo. The ward has all their farmlands covered by the floods while the communities are totally displaced rendering three hundred and forty two (342) households displaced.

 

“Ward 6 is made up of Umuolu, Okpokilika, Adiai’Obi Aka. Onyah, Owuriobia, Warri Irri and Otuoku. The ward farmlands have been submerged by the floods while the communities are totally displaced rendering three hundred and twenty five (325) households displaced.

 

“Ward 7 comprises of Ase, Asaba Ase, Iwene, Ogbokor, Ekeregbesi, Egbeme Ase, and Anam Camp. All farmlands in this ward has also been taken over by floods and about 60% of the communities flooded thereby rendering three hundred and thirteen (313) households homeless.

 

“Ward 8 is made up of Ibedeni, Azagba, Ekpe, Okorafor Community and Osafu. All farmlands in the ward has also been covered by floods and about 70% of the communities flooded thereby rendering three hundred and sixty five (365) households homeless.

 

“Ward 9 comprises of Ibrede, Igbuku, Iyede Ame, Lagos Iyede, Awah, Onogbokor and Anyama. All farmlands in this ward have been taken over by the floods, 80% of the communities displace and four hundred and twelve (412) households rendered homeless.

 

“Ward 10 is made up of Ashaka, Ushie, Ugute, Egwede, Asaba Ashaka, Obi Ivi, Ogbarude, Obi Ujene and Aballam. All farmlands in the ward have been displaced by the floods with 50% of the communities covered by water and Two hundred and Eighty five (285) households also displaced,”he stated.

 

 

On the need assessment, The LGA boss noted

“Majority of the communities inhabitants declined from being evacuated because of the following reasons: Harvesting farm produces and managing to secure them for tomorrow’s sake, especially cassava, yams, plantains vegetables etc.

 

He maintained that” Protecting their properties which are often suspended on make shift temporal suspension racks in their communities. Some have no place to relocate to since IDP camps are not set up in the LGA. The state made attempt to set up IDP in Ashaka two days ago but flood took over the Ashaka Skill Acquisition Center that was earmarked as NELGA IDP camp. Consequently, the setting up of IDP camp in NELGA was put on hold.

 

“Some would have relocated to other IDP camps in Kwale, Oleh or Ozoro but accounts of the suffering endured during previous years flooding in ISP camps discouraged them from going to any of these camps.

 

Governor also affirmed that”Some persons felt that it is too late to relocate having endured the hardship for over three weeks into the floods before the setting up of camps was considered.

 

“Availability of safe heavens where few families can cluster in, especially storey buildings both completed and uncompleted as well as some micro islands in some communities.

 

He added that “Some persons just resigned to their fate and has no confidence in Government because according to them, it has become an annual occurrence and it is only when the impact is felt in some “Special” areas that flood is given attention; forgetting that NELGA suffers floods on an annual basis.

 

 

However, he assured that:” We will continue to encourage our people to unswervingly  adhere to all water travel safety measures; Avoid overloading; ensure you use life jacket during travel period; Avoid low spots, like ditches, basements, or underpasses; Do not walk through flooded areas; If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving; Do not drive into flooded areas; Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water; Know the weather; Let your people know about any trip you are embarking on, before your journey, during the trip and post arrival. ”