Rivers State Government Confirms Okrika, Degema Will Be Flooded

Rivers State Government has said that with the incessant heavy rainfall that has been occurring in the state, that Okrika and Degema local Government Areas of the state as predicted by Federal Ministry of Environment would be experiencing another flooding this year. 

Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Dickson Umunakwe made this known in an emergency meeting with the Chairmen of last year’s flood prone Local Government Areas of the State.

The meeting according to him was to alert the Chairmen of the imminent flood so as to take proactive measures geared towards reducing the impact associated with the disaster.

He urged them to take the flood alert to their people and set up relief committees who will establish camps in their various LGAs before the rain steps in.

Speaking on the part the state government would play, he said they will make provision for marine ambulances and speed boats that would transport the would-be flood victims to the government designated camps.

He also added that, medical care and other improved social amenities will be put in place for their comfort.

Umunakwe said that the ministry would collaborate with the relevant stakeholders including its Power and Environment counterpart, Paramilitary, Red Cross among others to provide the needed aid for victims at the camps.

The Commissoner acknowledged the support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) who had sent in another round of relief materials for the flood victims, adding that the items will be distributed soon.

He said that he will meet with the various flood committees at the LGAs to pass across its flood sensitisation messages.

Responding on behalf of their colleagues, Chairman of Okrika Council, Barr. Tamuno Williams and his Degema counterpart, Hon Ibigoni Pokima assured the Commissioner that they will swing into action to ensure that they are not caught unawares.

Last year’s flood in the State affected over 800 thousand families, destroying farmlands, live stocks and personal belongings of the victims.