Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has visited victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar, describing the scale of destruction and loss of lives as heartbreaking.

The governor toured some of the worst-hit communities in the Calabar metropolis on Sunday to assess the situation firsthand. He assured residents that the state government would take decisive steps to support those affected and mitigate future occurrences.

At least five persons, including four children from one family and a tanker driver, reportedly died in the flood and landslide that affected several communities in the area.

Governor Otu extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and promised that the government would provide necessary assistance to help them rebuild their lives. He emphasised that no words could truly compensate for the precious lives lost in the tragedy.

The governor stated that the state government remains committed to implementing proactive measures to reduce the risk of such disasters. These include improved drainage infrastructure and better environmental management practices.

He urged affected residents not to lose hope, assuring them that the government stands with them during this difficult time.

Governor Bassey Otu called on all residents to observe basic safety precautions and work together with the government to prevent future flooding. He noted that collective efforts are needed to strengthen emergency response systems and protect vulnerable communities.

The governor’s visit has been seen as a demonstration of empathy and leadership in the face of natural disasters.

As recovery efforts continue, the state government is expected to roll out more support programmes for the victims. The incident has once again highlighted the need for sustained investment in infrastructure to address the challenges posed by heavy rainfall in the region.

Residents have expressed appreciation for the governor’s prompt response and commitment to their welfare.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper