No fewer than 106 communities in Delta State have been submerged in the flood menace currently ravaging the state.
Investigation revealed that twelve persons have been killed in the wake of the natural disaster that hit Ndokwa East, West, Oko clan, Ozoro, Ughelli, Patani, Burutu and Bomadi communities.
In Oko clan near Asaba, heavy rainfall in the early hours of Wednesday, destroyed several houses in Asaba and six communities within Oko clan, sacking many of the residents in its wake.
People of Oko clan, who spoke to journalists through Barr Chuks Greatman, called on the state government to come to their aid, regretting that the entire Oko clan have been submerged in flood.
Saying that the people of Oko communities are mainly farmers, Greatman said; “In Oko area, many of the people have been trapped in their houses and they swim in water. Government should please come to our aid, the palace has been destroyed and their properties swept into river Niger.”
Those involved in animal husbandry, especially poultry farmers, have recorded huge losses while two children were reportedly drown but rescued by some fishermen.
It would recalled that following NIMET’s announcement of impending flood, the Delta State Government claimed that steps were taken to address the impending menace to ensure safety for the people. But this is not to be as pains and anger have taken over Ndokwa East following heavy flooding in the area.
Prince Igwe Nzekwe, President-General, Ani Ndokwa Clans Association, who spoke to newsmen, said “since the 2012 flood that ravaged the entire Ndokwa East Local Government Area and left most of our private and public facilities dilapidated, our children are still sitting on the floor to read in some areas as a result of lack of seats in schools. Buildings are with leaking roofs, ceilings and broken walls, seven communities in shambles, and the only opportunity that would have made us meet the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa through town meeting did not take place again. We have been host to Agip since 1959, Stalin globals and many other companies, unless urgent measures are taken to relocate our people on time, there is disaster in Ndokwa entirely.”
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Environment, Barr John Nani, who confirmed that the flood had wreaked many havoc in 106 Delta communities, told journalists that the state government was committed to ensuring that many people are saved, and regretted the loss of persons to the menace.
He said that the development in Ndokwa East and West would soon be a thing of the past as government was doing everything possible to reduce the flooding in the areas.
Continuing, President-General of Ani Ndokwa Clan, Prince Igwe Nzekwe said, “The under development of Ndokwa East LGA especially, the riverine areas seems to us as an indication of a complete disconnect between us and the government. The entire communities of Abala, Utchi, Lagos-Iyede, Iyede-Ame Onyia Umu-Olu, Adiai, Onorgbokor, Anyama, Akarai, Inyi, Onuabo clans are completely cut off, no road, no electricity, no water, no health care facilities, our women travel with boat to Anambra state to deliver.”
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