CALABAR: Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has visited communities devastated by the recent flooding in Calabar, expressing deep sorrow over the destruction and loss of lives while assuring affected residents of immediate government support and long-term measures to prevent future disasters.
The governor toured several of the worst-hit areas across the Calabar metropolis on Sunday, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking and pledging that his administration would strengthen flood control infrastructure and emergency response systems to safeguard lives and property.
The devastating flood and accompanying landslide claimed the lives of at least five people, including four children of Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley Edu and a tanker driver identified as Mr. Udo. Several communities were affected, including Ikot Awatim, Ikot Ansa, Calabar South, Mbukpa, Big Qua Town, Ibom Layout, and 8 Miles, where homes, roads and other properties sustained significant damage.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Otu said he was deeply saddened by the scale of the disaster and extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones.
Today, I visited victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar, and my heart was deeply burdened by the magnitude of the devastation and the tragic loss of lives,” the governor said.
He added that no words could adequately console the bereaved families but assured them that the government would stand by them throughout the recovery process.
No words can truly compensate for the precious lives we have lost, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to every family affected by this unfortunate tragedy.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing the impact of future flooding through proactive planning and investment in resilient infrastructure.
According to him, the state government is already working on comprehensive and sustainable solutions that include expanding and upgrading drainage systems, improving environmental management practices, and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
As a government, we remain committed to taking decisive and proactive measures to reduce the risk of such disasters and to strengthen our flood mitigation and emergency response systems, Otu stated.
He stressed that while the pain caused by the tragedy cannot be reversed, every effort would be made to prevent a similar occurrence.
While we cannot undo the pain of this moment, we can, and we will do everything within our power to prevent a recurrence.
Governor Otu also urged residents not to lose hope, assuring them that the government would continue providing assistance as affected communities begin the process of rebuilding.
He said the administration would work closely with residents to restore normalcy and implement lasting solutions capable of protecting vulnerable communities from future flooding.
To every affected resident, please know that you are not alone. Your government stands with you and will continue to provide the necessary support as we work together to rebuild lives, restore hope, and implement responsible, long-term solutions.”
The governor concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims, saying the thoughts and prayers of the government remain with every affected family.
The latest flood disaster has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage infrastructure in parts of Calabar, with residents calling for accelerated investment in flood prevention projects and improved urban planning to reduce the impact of future extreme weather events.
