Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O. _Calls for Federal and International Aid for Calabar's Flood Relief Efforts_ In the wake of the heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 26, 2025, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, conducted a thorough inspection of the affected areas. The visit aimed to assess the damage and identify key areas in need of urgent intervention.

• INSPECTION OF AFFECTED AREAS: Hon. Ironbar visited several locations that were hit hardest by the downpour: - Mechanic Village (Scanobo) Gully Erosion Site: A site where recent rains worsened ongoing gully erosion. - Ikot Effangha Mkpa (Behind NTA) Gully Erosion Site: Another location facing severe erosion, which has caused significant damage to infrastructure. - Summit Hills (CICC) Gully Erosion Site: An area where the terrain stability has been severely compromised by erosion.

Marina Landslide Remediation (Slope Protection Works): A critical area where landslides are endangering public safety. - Flood/Erosion Control Works (Elijah Henshaw): A site undergoing active flood and erosion control efforts. • COLLABORATION WITH NEWMAP Hon. Ironbar the Chief of Staff to His Excellency the Governor, was accompanied by officials from the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Commissioner for Environment, SSA Political Affairs and others.

He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the region's flood and erosion challenges. Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, the NEWMAP Project Coordinator for Cross River State, assured that the information gathered would be promptly communicated to the national body for necessary action. • CALL FOR FEDERAL AND INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Acknowledging the scale of the damage, Hon. Ironbar made a passionate appeal to the federal government and international organizations for assistance.

He stressed that the extent of the damage was beyond the capacity of the state government to manage on its own and called for urgent external support inline with the Governor's effort for a greater Cross River State. Conclusively, Representing Governor Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar's proactive approach in responding to the aftermath of the heavy rainfall highlights the commitment to addressing the state environmental challenges.

By partnering with NEWMAP and seeking support from the federal government and international organizations, Cross River State aims to mitigate the long-term impacts of flooding and erosion in the state.

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