By Ephraim Emmanuel
Residents and farmers of Bukuma Agum community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have issued a desperate Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeal following severe flash floods that have submerged large parts of the area.
The surging floodwaters have taken over residential homes, major access roads, public schools, and extensive farmlands, bringing economic and social activities in the coastal community to a complete standstill.
Recounting their ordeals, affected residents reported being displaced from their homes and losing valuable crops and seedlings to the deluge. Beyond the immediate destruction of property and farmland, community members expressed grave concern over the contamination of safe drinking water sources and a dangerous surge in reptile infestations as dangerous creatures are flushed into living quarters by the rising waters.
Speaking on the disaster, the President of the Bukuma Youth Organisation, Goodnews John, called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Chairman of Degema Local Government Council, Michael John Williams, and the Rivers State Flood Committee to conduct an immediate needs assessment and dispatch relief materials to displaced victims.
Local women and farmers also joined in appealing to health and disaster management authorities for swift humanitarian intervention—including food aid, medical supplies, and temporary shelter—to prevent a looming health and economic crisis in Bukuma Agum.
