By Henry Umoru

THE Senate has called on the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and  Poverty Alleviation and National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to as a matter of urgency,  make emergency provision available to cushion the effects on victims of the affected communities in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.

The Senate has also urged the Federal Ministries of Housing and  Urban Development and Power to rehabilitate some of the collapsed homes, roads and electric installations within the affected areas.

The Upper Chamber has asked the Ecological Fund Department of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management to urgently assess the extent of damage on erosion Sites of the areas with a view to providing some measures of rebuilding the damaged environment created by this ugly incidence.

The Senate has mandated the Committees on Legislative Compliance and Environment to ensure compliance and report back to the Senate within four weeks.

The Senate observed a one-minute silence in honor of those who lost their precious lives in the unfortunate flooding incident in Abia North Senatorial District.

Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were sequel to a motion titled, “Call on the Federal Government to urgently make Emergency Provisions for Victims of Flooding in Some Communities in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.” It was sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu,  APC, Abia North.

Presenting the motion, the former Abia State Governor  said that “the Senate: Notes that the recent perennial downpour in some communities of Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State caused severe damages to the affected communities.

“Also notes that the ugly occurrence which came with lightning and thunder was so severe and devastating that some precious lives were lost in the flood, critical connecting roads were completely cut off making movement between communities impossible, farmlands were washed away and destroyed with attendant losses of crops and livestock amounting to several millions of naira.

“Aware that some houses lost their roofs while others with weak foundations collapsed and occupants displaced alongside with their helpless families. Worst hit were Okoko-Item Primary School, Okposi Primary School, a radio station, a university structure and many other houses in Bende LGA.

According to Senator Kalu, the “Senate observed that socio-economic activities have been brought to a near halt as a result of this natural disaster in communities like Igbere, Item, Eziukwu Road which was divided into 2 parts, Eze River, Nkporo  Umuhu, Abriba, Okonu, Abam Ihechiowa and other adjoining communities all  in Bende,  Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.

“Concerned that the devastation caused by this flooding linked to climate change has left the affected citizens of the District in pitiable situation.

“Convinced that with destruction of certain infrastructures, the affected residents majority of who are rural dwellers, artisans and farmers are presently faced with existence without basic necessities of life.

“Also Convinced that if no emergency response is provided for the victims, the dislocated society will be worse for it and regrettable number of casualties may be recorded.”