In Edo State, flooding has submerged 25 communities, impacting the local government areas of Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East.
During a press briefing in Benin, Ojimah Christopher, the Desk Officer for Relief Materials and Distribution in Esan South Local Government, reported the extent of the devastation. Ojimah, who also serves as the Local Government Secretary for the Emergency Committee, noted that the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the local government area has reached full capacity due to the influx of displaced residents.
He highlighted that some areas, particularly Ifeku, have been entirely submerged, resulting in the loss of property and livestock.
A local resident, John Odaku, shared his concerns, stating that farmlands, including those planted with yam, cassava, and groundnuts, have been overtaken by floodwaters, causing significant agricultural losses. He mentioned that many residents were unable to salvage their belongings as the water level continued to rise.
Odaku urged both the state and federal governments to provide assistance, pointing out that the burden of support has fallen primarily on the local government.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has recommended that individuals living in flood-prone areas relocate to IDP camps to prevent further casualties.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: Edo State Flood News