Rivers disburses N200,000 cash relief to flood victims

Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chair of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof Ngozi Odu, reiterated her administration's dedication to offering urgent relief and enduring resolutions to recurrent flooding. In an address to Rukpokwu residents in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, she highlighted the severity of the flooding experienced in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City, causing many residents to use canoes to reach their homes.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had instructed the committee to concentrate on the worst-affected communities by distributing relief materials and providing direct financial support.

The state government has started transferring N200,000 to identified flood victims through their personal bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring aid reaches the intended beneficiaries. Apart from delivering food and non-food items, the government is also paying families directly N200,000 per family into their verified bank accounts during this phase.

Prof Odu explained that this approach was necessary due to the widespread impact of the flooding. The state is also working on long-term engineering solutions to redirect floodwaters into designated canals once the waters subside. Additionally, the health of affected residents will be supported through the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, providing free healthcare services to those who need it.

Prof Odu praised the National Emergency Management Agency for deploying an assessment team to the state and appealed for increased support from NEMA and other federal agencies. She assured residents that the government would continue its interventions until the situation was fully under control.