–By Albert OGRAKA:
Delta state government has established ten functional camps for internally displaced persons, owing to the upsurge of flooding in most parts of the state.

Director General, Delta State Bureau of Orientation, Mr. Eugene Uzum, who disclosed this on  Friday, October 14, 2022 in Asaba also revealed that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intervened through the clearing of canals to ensure easy passage of water, to curtail challenges posed by the ravaging flood.

The state government hailed the proactive role of DESOPADEC by helping to assuage the effect of the flooding on the people through the establishment of three IDP camps located at St. Michael’s College, Oleh in Isoko South LGA; Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Kwale, in Ndokwa West LGA and Bulou-Apebiri Community in Patani LGA.

He said that the state government has created distribution centers and relief materials centers in Illah, Warri North, Burutu, Bomadi, Abari, Warri South, Ashoka, Ughelli North, Ovrodhe, Ofagbe and Okpe-Isoko.

“We want to empathise with the victims of the flood. We specifically commend their strength and also in adhering to government’s earlier warning to relocate from flood-prone areas.

“As at today, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intervened by opening two camps. The interventionist agency has also been opening up canals for water to flow freely.

“The state government, through the 2022 flood management committee, has also created distribution centres from where relief materials would be taken to IDP camps.

“We are collaborating with traditional rulers, community leaders to rescue people and provide the needed succour.

“As such, with assistance of the office of the Senior Political Adviser, all political appointees from affected communities have been directed to go back home rather than remaining here in Asaba.”

He also called on residents in flood prone areas to be wary of wild beasts and reptiles whose habitats have been destroyed by flooding.

According to him, a total of 4,755 persons comprising men, children, women (including lactating and expectant mothers) and persons with disabilities, have so far reported and registered at the different camps across the state.

He enjoined persons in flood-prone communities to move to higher grounds or take temporary shelter in the IDP camps provided by the government as the floods have continued to rise.