Flood Incidence at Igarra: BraveHeart Initiative Releases Assessment Report

Destroyed property as a result of Igarra flood

A feminist civil society organisation - the BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) says over 200 homes were affected, especially vulnerable children and women in the recent Igarra flood incidence. This was revealed in a report of assessment conducted by the organisation and made available to newsmen by the Executive Director of BHI- Priscilla Usiobaifo. The report highlighted Domingo Street, Lawani Street, Market Road, Orere and Alafia Street as the most affected areas.

"On July 16th, 2024, the BraveHeart Initiative team carried out an assessment of the affected populations in the hardest-hit areas, to rapidly assess damages and identify the most pressing needs of the victims. About forty-five(45) houses were visited, covering Lawani Street through Old Sege Road, Market Road, Technical Road, Domingo Street, Orere, and Behind Alafia Hospital off Afekhai Street. This assessment was conducted through video/ oral interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The report from the findings affirms the devastating effect of the flood, with over 200 homes affected, leaving many residents homeless. 

A building affected by the flood

"The estimated cost of losses is approximately Fifty-Six Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira (N56,650,900). Survivors are facing a dire plight, with many struggling to access necessities like food, water, and shelter. The flood also destroyed crops, livestock, and properties, exacerbating the economic hardship. Additionally, many women and children were mostly affected, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. As a feminist organization, we are deeply concerned about the devastating effects on women's livelihoods, safety, and well-being".

Findings derivable from the assessment has it that many residents were displaced and seeking shelter in temporary homes; there was extensive damage to roads, bridges and perimeter walls in homes especially along technical road and Lawani Street; the risk of waterborne diseases was surging as floodwaters have overwhelmed pit toilets in homes, leaving residents vulnerable to water contamination and the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Fallen walls as a result of the Igarra flood incidence

Other findings revealed that the flooding had severely impacted numerous businesses, posing significant economic challenges to the affected store owners and threatening their livelihoods, as well as jeopardizing the local economy; and that the flood had disproportionately affected women, who are often the primary caregivers and homemakers. Many women have lost their homes, livelihoods, and essential items like sanitary products, cooking utensils and business. The flooding has also exacerbated existing gender-based vulnerabilities, leaving women more susceptible to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and harassment.

According to the Report, "The flood-affected areas in Igarra remain hopeful for government relief materials and support, despite no tangible intervention has been made since the visit of the Local Government Area Chairman, some politicians, influential persons, and media personnel. While the visits brought initial hope and attention to their plight, survivors are still waiting for concrete assistance to help them recover from the devastating impact of the flood. Unfortunately, no significant aid has been provided since the visits, leaving the survivors to continue struggling with limited resources. The community is growing increasingly anxious, and their hopes for support are beginning to dwindle. They urge the authorities to translate their promises into action, providing much-needed relief materials and support to help them rebuild their businesses.

"There is a need for immediate humanitarian assistance. There are also growing concerns about the long-term impacts of the flood and the need to improve response mechanisms, especially among vulnerable populations. 

CALL FOR ACTION               

"The BraveHeart Initiative issues an urgent appeal to the Federal Government, the Edo State Government, the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, international organizations, and all well-meaning stakeholders to provide immediate support and assistance to address the devastating aftermath of the flood. The requested aid includes relief materials, financial support for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, expertise and resources for damage assessment and infrastructure repair, medical assistance and healthcare services for displaced persons, and psychological support to alleviate suffering.

"Furthermore, we demand that the government take proactive measures to prevent future floods by stopping land allocation in flood-prone areas, maintaining waste management efforts, and investing more in flood mitigation. It is the responsibility of the state government to prioritize the safety of citizens over revenue, especially by landowners.

"The BraveHeart team's interviews with flood victims underscore the pressing need for immediate assistance and action. We appeal to all stakeholders to join forces and provide crucial support to those affected, enabling them to recover and restore their livelihoods. As a feminist organization, we are committed to ensuring that the response efforts prioritize the needs and rights of girls and women and address the gendered dimensions of this disaster".