FLOODING IN RIVERS STATE SPARK FEARS OF CHOLERA OUTBREAK AND FOOD SCARCITY.

By SANDRA KENNETH

28th October, 2024

Flooding in Rivers State has sparked fears of a cholera outbreak and food scarcity, devastating communities in Engenni Kingdom, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
 Residents are struggling to access clean water, with elder Abieba Amoa revealing that they're forced to drink contaminated water and toilet water. 

The flood has burst septic tanks, destroying fishes and crops, leaving commercial farmers like Livinus Esara with nothing after acres of land were ravaged.

Elder Abieba Amoa said"government should not focus on supplying relief materials, as I speak to you fishes are dying every day, the flood water is highly contaminated, the water has mixed with feaces from the destroyed sceptic tanks and we don't have access to portable water".

"Government needs to rise up to their responsibility of providing permanent solution to this disaster, even before the this disaster, we don't have clean water, we don't have hospital", how do we survive without hospital and basic amenities, he said. 

On his part, Livinus Esara said " I harvested my plants prematurely while some had already been destroyed by the flood".

"I have no hope, how do I survive after this season, my family depends on this, I farm for economic purpose, this is my only source of livelihood, I am frustrated and depressed", He lamented. 

A woman simply identified as Mercy said they are trapped in Ikodi community in Ahaoda west local government area of Rivers State, as the flood destroys their homes. 

She said " We are suffering, we don't have anything, no movement, everywhere is filled with water in Ikodi here, when you want to go outside you will go with canoe".

"The road we are managing is filled with water, no way to go to Okarki or Okparaki, make government help us if not no way to go to the IDP camp", she stressed. 

Cholera Outbreak Fears

The risk of cholera is high due to contaminated water sources. Cholera is a waterborne disease caused by ingesting Vibrio Cholerae, which can spread through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene. Symptoms include acute watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. If left untreated, cholera can be deadly.

Food Scarcity Concerns

The destruction of crops and fish has raised concerns about food security. The flooding has not only affected households but also commercial farmers, exacerbating the scarcity. The impact on food availability and prices is yet to be fully assessed.

Calls for Government Action

Abieba Amoa and Livinus Esara are urging the government to prioritize health and food security measures beyond providing IDP camps. This includes ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and support for affected farmers.

In the meantime, the Rivers State government has instituted a flood committee geared towards provision of relief materials to affected victims and provision of IDP Camps.