Flood Sacks Eleme Community

Edith CHUKU

Natives and residents of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, are begging the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government to intervene in the flood situation that is ravaging their community.

According to them, the flood believed to have been caused by the ongoing reconstruction of the Eleme axis of the East-West Road, has left a trail of destruction in its wake.

This was contained in a statement made available to TNN on Saturday, by Mr. Udeme Obot, Chief Press Secretary to the Eleme caretaker Chairman, Chief. Brain Gokpa.

In the release titled, ‘Floods Devastate Eleme Community: Women Cry Out for Help’ they lamented that their “farmlands have been inundated, crops destroyed, and household items washed away.

“The women of Alesa are particularly affected, with many displaced and their properties damaged. The situation is dire, and the women are appealing to the federal government to come to their aid.”

While begging the government to come to their aid, one of the affected women explained that “We’re losing everything. Our farms, our homes, our livelihoods. We can’t cope with this on our own.”

They also raised concerns about potential health hazards, especially for women and children.

The release quoted another woman to have expressed worry “about the spread of diseases. The water is dirty, and we’re living in fear of cholera and other waterborne diseases.”

Meanwhile, the CTC Chairman, Chief. Brain Gokpa, is said to have visited the affected area and initiated efforts to mobilize resources and expertise to address the situation.

Gokpa said, “We understand the gravity of the situation, and we’re working hard to find a solution. We’re collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including RCC, to identify the root causes of the flooding and ensure a swift and effective solution.”