By Austin Ogwuda
THE Senate has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide emergency relief materials to several persons rendered homeless in the affected flooding areas especially in Delta North Senatorial District.
This followed a Motion of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Red Chambers during Thursday’s plenary.
Titled ‘Urgent call for emergency provisions for victims of flooding in Delta North communities’, Senator Nwoko, in leading debate on the matter stated that :
“Several communities in Oshimili South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District have been severely affected by recent flooding, leaving residents displaced from their homes and in dire need of emergency support
“The affected communities, including Oko-Amakom, Oko-Obiokpu, Oko-Anala, Oko-Ogbele, Oko-Odifulu, Aika-Ezeolu, Abala-Oshimili, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, Okpokrika-Ogbesu, Abala-Obodo Umuoru, Abala-Uno, Adiai-Obiaka, Benekuku, Utuoku, Onyah, Ase, and Ibedeni, have been completely submerged as the River Niger and its adjoining creeks overflow their banks; Alarmed that this perennial flooding, driven by the incessant rise in water levels, has worsened in recent days, overwhelming homes, schools, and farmlands;
“Also alarmed that farmers are being forced to harvest crops prematurely, resulting in substantial losses, while livestock has also been swept away by the rising waters;
“Worried that the education of young children has come to a halt as many schools are inaccessible, and healthcare services are struggling to function due to the devastating impact of the flood;“Equally worried that many residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters and elevated areas, including primary schools, while others are forced to sleep outdoors or on platforms, awaiting the opening of official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps;
“Concerned that the flooding has also cut off major roads, leaving entire communities isolated and worsening the already desperate conditions and if urgent emergency intervention is not provided, the suffering of these communities will intensify, potentially leading to even greater and more tragic losses”.
The prayers are as follows:
i. Urge the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to immediately provide emergency relief to the affected communities, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, to address the urgent needs of displaced residents.
ii. Call on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to expedite the establishment of fully equipped IDP camps in the flood-hit areas, ensuring displaced persons are provided with safe and secure accommodations.
iii. Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to consider dredging the River Niger and constructing embankments along the floodplain to provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area and other parts of the country.
iv. Mandate the Senate Committee on Environment to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected areas and report back with recommendations for a permanent solution to this recurring disaster that has long hindered the development and welfare of Delta North communities.
Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson and others in their contributions supported the Motion.
The Senate therefore resolved among others, as follows:
*Calling on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to expedite the establishment of fully equipped IDP camps in the flood-hit areas, ensuring displaced persons are provided with safe and secure accommodations.
*The Federal Ministry of Works to consider the dredging and channeling of the River Niger to provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area and other parts of the country.
*That the relief materials to be provided urgently by NEMA) to the the flood ravaged communities should include food, clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelter to address the urgent needs of displaced residents.
*Senate Committee on Environment to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected flooded areas, especially in Delta North Senatorial District and report back with recommendations for a permanent solution to recurring flood disasters that have long hindered the development and welfare of the areas.
