Flooding Displaces Thousands in Bayelsa State.

Flooding Displaces Thousands in Bayelsa State: Communities Appeal for Urgent Assistance

Severe flooding has wreaked havoc across Bayelsa State, displacing thousands in the Biseni Kingdom within Yenagoa Local Government Area. The rising waters have submerged homes, schools, health centers, places of worship, roads, and farmlands, leaving widespread devastation in their wake.

As floodwaters from the Niger, Benue, and Orashi rivers inundate communities like Kilama, Perebiri-Ayahkumo, Egbebiri, and Tuburu, residents have been forced to seek refuge on bridges, roads, and makeshift camps. With their lives upended, many are now urgently appealing to both the Federal and Bayelsa State governments for assistance.

Among the affected is the residence of Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, which has also been overtaken by the floods. King David Obuma, the Ibedaowei of Biseni and former Majority Leader in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, described the situation as severe, with residents facing acute hunger and displacement. He called on the government to provide immediate aid and recommended sand-filling as a temporary solution, alongside the construction of embankments, dykes, and dams to address flooding in the long term.

Similarly, King Akile Peter Debekeme, the Pere of Biseni, expressed frustration that despite hosting numerous oil and gas facilities, the Biseni community continues to suffer annual flooding. He appealed for government intervention, including the establishment of relief camps and the distribution of emergency supplies for displaced residents.

Chief Alagoa Morris, Deputy Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network, also highlighted the dire situation in Biseni, urging a swift government response. He criticized the defunct Niger Delta ministry for its lack of impact and called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to step in to support affected areas. Morris further urged the Bayelsa State government to use the recently received N3 billion flood relief fund effectively, ensuring transparent distribution and preventing any misappropriation by political appointees.

The flooding has not only affected Biseni but also spread to other areas in Bayelsa, including Epie Kingdom in Yenagoa, Sampou in Kolokuma-Opokuma, and parts of Sagbama and Ogbia. The scale of the crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts and long-term flood management strategies to protect vulnerable communities.