NEMA Assesses Flood Damage in Cross River Riverine Communities

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) have carried out a joint damage and needs assessment in flood-affected riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. The exercise is aimed at gathering accurate data to guide humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts for residents impacted by recent flooding.

The assessment team, led by NEMA's Acting Head of Operations for Akwa Ibom and Cross River, Awoji Austin, and CR-SEMA Director-General Efa Nyong, visited the affected communities by boat due to their limited accessibility. Officials assessed the extent of damage to homes, cocoa plantations and other sources of livelihood destroyed by the floods.

Speaking during the exercise, Austin said the assessment was designed to generate credible information that would support effective humanitarian intervention and long-term recovery planning. He noted that understanding the scale of the destruction is essential for delivering targeted relief materials and restoring livelihoods in the affected communities.

The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to supporting affected residents. The assessment comes as emergency agencies across Nigeria intensify flood response efforts following forecasts of increased flooding during the 2026 rainy season.