The Special Adviser on Political Affairs for the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong, has expressed his sorrow and extended his heartfelt condolences to the berieved families affected by the catastrophic landslide and torrential downpour that devastated parts of the state capital, particularly the Ikot Awatim Community in Calabar Municipality.
In a statement issued to our reporter in calabar by Comrade Saviour Asuquo
Said the disaster, which was triggered by days of continuous heavy rainfall, led to a fatal landslide that tragically claimed the lives of five citizens including four siblings from one family and left several others displaced or injured.
Speaking on the incident, Rt. Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong said"Our hearts bleed for the affected families and the entire Ikot Awatim community.Losing four children and another compatriot in a single day under such horrifying circumstances is an unbearable tragedy. This office stands in complete solidarity with the victims".
Rt. Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong commended the state Governor,His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the emergency response teams including NEMA and CR-SEMA, for their prompt on-site assessment and ongoing relocation efforts. However, as the rainy season continues to intensify, he urged residents to act collectively to prevent further loss of lives and property.
To ensure of public safety and minimize the risk of a recurrence, the Special Adviser advises all constituents to immediately adhere to the safety directives issued by the respective authority which includes
evacuation of high-risk zones: Residents living on hillsides, valleys, and erosion-prone slopes must immediately move away from those locations,displaced families should immediately report to the designated temporary accommodation centres established by the Cross River State Government.
He also stressed the need for people to desist from dumping waste into gutters and immediately clear all drainage pathways to ensure free water flow.
Look out for widening cracks in walls, tilting trees, or sudden retaining-wall collapses, and report them instantly to authorities.
Disclosed that his office is actively collaborating with the State Ministry of Environment and humanitarian organizations to ensure relief materials reach those who have lost their homes.
Further , Rt. Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong assured constituents that executive representations are being made to fast-track permanent ecological and erosion control projects across the vulnerable terrains of Cross River South.
Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of one another during this challenging time.
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