Flooding displaces residents, destroys property as heavy rains pound Cross River

Persistent rainfall across parts of Cross River State, especially Calabar, has displaced residents, destroyed property and left many families homeless as flooding continues to worsen.

For nearly two weeks, heavy downpours have been recorded almost daily, with rainfall in some areas beginning as early as 5:00 a.m., causing severe flooding in low-lying communities.

Among those affected is the Cross River State Correspondent of The Telegraph, Clement James, who has appealed for urgent assistance after floodwaters overwhelmed his residence.

In Calabar South Local Government Area and communities including 8 Miles, Ikot Enebong, Ikot Nkebre and parts of Calabar Municipality, several homes have been submerged, forcing residents to evacuate while household belongings and other valuables were destroyed.

Last week, the flooding reportedly claimed the lives of five children from the same family at the Ikot Anwatim ravine. Similar devastation was recorded in flood-prone areas such as Atimbo, where houses were inundated and some roofs were damaged by strong storms.

Narrating his experience, James said, “Today’s rain has completely overrun my house.”

He appealed to the Cross River State Government and emergency management agencies for immediate intervention, saying floodwaters had taken over his compound and destroyed household items.

The continued rainfall has also affected economic activities across the city. While some women have continued to visit early morning beach markets to earn a living, many government offices have recorded low attendance as workers struggle to access their workplaces due to flooded roads and blocked routes.

Residents affected by the floods have called on the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent relief, saying many families have been left without shelter and have lost their belongings.

Governor Bassey Otu, who recently visited some affected communities, expressed sympathy with victims and assured them of government support.

“I know your state of mind, but I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to mitigate these circumstances and help you out of this situation,” the governor said.

Otu acknowledged the severity of the flooding, describing it as a consequence of climate change.

“What we are seeing now is climate change for real. We prepared for flooding, but not this early or at this magnitude. The government is deeply sorry. We share in your pain completely,” he added.