Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA) has taken a swipe at the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, over claims of the South-South state not being among the 10 worst-hit states by flood disaster in the country.
BYSEMA in a statement released on Monday, November 7, said no fewer than 1.3million residents of the state are displaced and compelled to seek refuge in temporary camps. It also disclosed that 96 deaths has been recorded.
BYSEMA Chairman, Mr Walamam Igrubia, said;
“As at November 4, 96 deaths were reported with Yenagoa Local Government Area worst hit.
“The flood affected a number of farmlands, school buildings, health structures and other facilities. The flood also affected some 300 communities across the eight LGAs of the state.
“Preliminary reports and data available to SEMA and other agencies indicate that Bayelsa remained the most flood impacted among states in the country.”
BYSEMA said among the worst affected areas in the state are Biseni, Tombia-Ekpetiama, Tombia-Amassoma Road, Akenfa, Akenpai, Igbogene and Swali, all in Yenagoa Local Government Area, as well as Kaiama, Odi, Otuoke, and Ogbia communities.
Others include, Agbere, Odoni, Bulu-Oria, Agoro and Sagbama.