Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district, has moved an urgent motion in the Senate, calling for immediate federal intervention to assist thousands of residents displaced by devastating flooding in Delta State.
The motion was tabled on Thursday, October 24, amid alarming reports of communities across Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West, and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas being submerged, with homes, farmlands, and schools severely affected.
Speaking passionately on the Senate floor, Senator Nwoko described the situation as desperate, noting that many displaced residents have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, schools, and elevated areas.
He said: “Several communities in Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West, and Ndokwa East have been severely impacted by recent flooding, leaving residents displaced and in dire need of emergency support”.
The senator specifically mentioned the plight of communities such as Oko-Amakom, Okpai, Aboh, and Abala-Uno, which have been completely submerged as the River Niger and its tributaries overflow their banks.
The senator painted a grim picture of the ongoing crisis, with residents fleeing their homes and taking shelter in temporary accommodations.
“Many are forced to sleep outdoors or on makeshift platforms while awaiting the establishment of official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps,” he added. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the senator’s call for immediate action from federal agencies.
In his motion, Senator Nwoko outlined several key requests aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected communities.
He urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to swiftly provide emergency relief, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter.
Furthermore, he called 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 to ensure the safety and security of displaced persons.
Additionally, Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for long-term solutions to the recurring flooding.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to consider dredging the River Niger and constructing embankments along the floodplain, while also mandating the Senate Committee on Environment to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected area.
This committee is expected to report back with recommendations for a permanent solution to this persistent disaster, which has long hindered the development and welfare of Delta North communities.
As the Senate considers Senator Nwoko’s motion, the urgent call for action highlights the pressing need for support and resources to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Delta North.
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