The Cross River State Ministry of Environment has again reminded residents of Calabar Metropolis to as a matter of priority, take precautionary measures in and around their premises to protect their lives and property against any mishap, as this year’s rainy season sets in.
In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Sandy Onor explained that the warning was informed by the prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency earlier in the year that they will be serious flooding this year in several cities across the country including Calabar.
The statement categorically warned residents of flood prone areas such as Ebito, Target, Murray, Jebbs, Palm Street, Umoh Orok, Ediba by Asi Abang, among other streets to be vigilant during heavy rains and encouraged them to promptly report any signs of flooding to the government.
While lauding the completion of the Channel II Drainage system and how it will immensely contribute to check flooding in Calabar metropolis, the commissioner also advised residents to desist from dumping refuse in drains and avoid blocking water channels to allow for free flow of water during rains.
Torrential rainfall in Calabar on Monday last week had already recorded its first casualty when a Director of Works in the University of Calabar was swept away by rampaging flooding.
The victim, Mr. Friday Sampson was coming back from the stadium where he went to pick his wife who just returned from Uyo under the torrential down pour.
The daughter told crossriverwatch that, he met heavy vehicular traffic along IBB Way and having waited for a long time without any progress; Mr. Sampson stepped out to find out what was going on and mistakenly stepped into the gutter and was swept away.
She added that her mother and Ime, the 18 year old brother who accompanied the father to the stadium to pick the mother were in the car and because of the intensity of the down pour could not do anything to rescue their father.
As at Friday May 31, 2013, Mr. Sampson’s body had not been recovered.
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