FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024
By: God’spower Samuel
In response to the devastating floods that have caused significant displacement in some parts of Rivers State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), delivered essential relief materials to flood victims in the Ahoada West Local Government Area.
This occurred on Thursday, November 7th as part of a broader national effort to provide immediate support to those impacted by the natural disaster.
The Director General of NEMA Dr Zubaida Umar, who was represented by Dr Adebiyi Bebatunde Razak, the NEMA South-South Zonal Coordinator, led the distribution of the relief materials.
Correspondence reports that he was accompanied by the 2024 Flood Committee for Rivers State, Chaired by the Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, representatives from the Red Cross Society, the local government chairman, and other stakeholders, who visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Ahoada West Local Government area of Rivers State.
During the distribution, Dr. Adebiyi emphasized that this was only the initial response from NEMA, with plans for supplementary assistance to follow. He noted that “…flood victims in the eight IDP camps received baskets containing rice, cooking oil, blankets, mattresses, and buckets”, all intended to meet their basic needs. He assured the public that the distribution process would be fair, with a record of recipients carefully maintained.
“The chairman of the local government is present, along with the chairman of the flood committee for this LGA. They have organized a list of names of the people in this camp, and each household will receive a basket,” he explained.
Also present at the emergency response operation was Dr. Sam Anya, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Rivers State. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of federal, state, and local governments to the disaster, while also commending the collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the relief effort.
Regarding future flood prevention, Hon. Anya mentioned that the state government is implementing proactive measures, such as dredging waterways and desilting drains in Ahoada West and other areas to reduce the likelihood of similar disasters occurring in the future.
“We are working on plans to prevent this type of disaster by dredging waterways and clearing our drains,” he said.
Hon. Anya told correspondents that there are about eight camps established for displaced individuals, some of which are difficult to access and require boats for transportation.
“Now as we speak it is eight, some we cannot go by road, we have to use a boat to enter the place” he added.
Representatives from the Ahoada West Local Government Area also expressed their appreciation for the government support but urged for continued assistance, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the flood victims.
“We thank you for what you have brought to us. Since our arrival, we have been suffering, and you have recognized our plight,” they said.
While the relief materials provided some comfort, many flood victims voiced additional needs. In interviews, some IDP residents revealed that they had been receiving treatment for pneumonia and other illnesses that had arisen due to poor living conditions at the camp. They requested more mattresses, mosquito nets, and food supplies, as well as continued medical care for the sick.
“In terms of health, those who are sick are receiving treatment. For those without beds, we have been provided with materials to sleep on. The government should supply mattresses for those who lack them, especially children. Many are coughing, and we need mosquito nets and more food. As time goes on, more illnesses are emerging, so we require additional medical treatment,” they stated.
Their concerns reflect a desire for improved living conditions as they work to recover from the flooding.
In response to the needs of the flood victims, NEMA assured that a water treatment plant had been approved for the camp to provide safe drinking water for the displaced individuals.
According to NEMA, this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the living conditions of flood victims and ensure their long-term well-being.
