The National Emergency Management Agency attributed recurring flooding in Cross River State to indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels, following heavy rainfall that submerged several communities and left many residents stranded. The flooding reportedly claimed two lives and left several others hospitalised.
NEMA's Uyo Operations Office Head, Mrs Aisueni Mmandu, said improper waste disposal had continued to worsen flooding across affected communities. She urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainages and waterways, noting that plastics and non-biodegradable materials obstruct water flow and increase flood risks.
Residents of Big Qua community reported that flooding had affected the area for more than five years, with Thursday's incident occurring at about 2:30 a.m. when buildings and fences collapsed. The Director of Flood and Erosion Control in the Cross River State Ministry of Environment said many affected communities were located on natural flood plains, making them vulnerable despite engineering interventions.