The inhabitants of the Ijaw coastal community of Opuedebubor in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to the government and other stakeholders in the state to come to their rescue as the riverine community is currently facing threat of submersion by flood occasioned by rainfall and the rivers overflowing its banks.

The appeal is contained in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other stakeholders, and signed by the chairman of Opuedebubor, Rev Theophilus Emotimide, with a copy made available to PENGlobal Community on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

According to the chairman of the community, Rev Theophilus Emotimide, the flood situation in the community has led to the displacement of inhabitants as the situation gets worse by the day, posing life-threatening risks to dwellers.

Part of the letter reads, "Over the last few weeks, relentless rainfall coupled with rising water levels has inundated our neighborhood, leaving our homes submerged and many families in dire need of assistance.

"The floodwaters not only threaten the safety of residents, but are also wrecking havoc on our local infrastructure, agricultural lands, and access to essential services.

"The situation is worsening by the day, with families forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in makeshift shelters. Our basic amenities such as drinking water, food supplies, and healthcare have been severely impacted, and the threat of waterborne diseases is escalating. The most vulnerable among us—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions—are facing the greatest risks."

Rev. Emotimide appealed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, who is a native of the kingdom, and other stakeholders, for "urgent assistance in the areas of emergency relief supplies (provision of food, clean drinking water, and medical supplies to assist displaced families), support in organizing safe evacuation for those in the most affected areas."

Other appeals as contained in the letter include "immediate measures to restore access to basic services and infrastructure, and long-term solutions such as improvements on infrastructures to prevent future flooding and assist in the recovery of our community.

"We believe that prompt government intervention is critical to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Opuedebubor. Your support and that of other stakeholders can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community," the chairman added.

Opuedebubor community is one of the major communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom whose settlement is constantly ravaged by annual floods, becoming one of the settlements that has become a victim of the effects of climate change.

Watch live video here on PENGlobal Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Yq7dvfXus4s3GUXN/?mibextid=oFDknk

#penglobalcommunity #Opuedebubor #flood #Gbaramatu #Delta