The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials to communities affected by flooding in Edo State.
The affected communities, including Ekeke and Amoya-Otuo in Owan East Local Government Area, have been displaced due the flooding.
The flooding, which occurred recently, has caused widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, farmlands, and livelihoods. The affected communities have been plunged into total darkness as a result of the flood, which pulled down electric poles and damaged solar streetlight
The House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, sponsored a motion of urgent public importance, which was adopted during plenary. The motion noted the devastating impact of the flooding on the affected communities and called for immediate relief.
The affected communities require emergency assistance, including:
- -Relief food: The flood has destroyed farmlands and crops, leaving the communities without food.
- -Medical materials: The flood has also contaminated water sources, leading to the risk of waterborne diseases.
- – Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure*: The flood has destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, leaving the communities without access to basic necessities.
In a related development, the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, distributed relief materials to flood victims in Edo State in 2022. Additionally, the Edo State government has also distributed relief materials to victims of flood disasters in the state.
The flooding in Edo State has been attributed to several factors, including:
- Heavy rainfall: The state has experienced heavy rainfall in recent weeks, leading to the overflow of rivers and streams.
- Poor drainage: The state’s drainage system has been criticized for being inadequate, leading to the accumulation of water in low-lying areas.
- Climate change: Climate change has been identified as a contributing factor to the flooding, as it has led to increased rainfall and rising sea levels.
- Flooding has had devastating effects on the affected communities, including:
- *Displacement*: The flood has displaced thousands of people, leaving them without homes or livelihoods.
- – *Loss of property*: The flood has destroyed properties worth millions of naira, leaving the affected communities without access to basic necessities.
- – *Health risks*: The flood has also posed health risks to the affected communities, as contaminated water sources have increased the risk of waterborne diseases.
The flooding in Edo State has had devastating effects on the affected communities. The House of Representatives’ call for relief is a welcome development, and the Federal Government should take immediate action to provide relief materials to the affected communities.