Jonathan visits Bayelsa flood victims, says it’s humanitarian crisis

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lamented that this year’s heavy flooding has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the most affected states.

He said that the situation requires urgent action and collaboration by all stakeholders.

Jonathan called for support for victims of the devastating flood that has killed hundreds and destroyed several property in many states across the country.
The former President in a statement released by his office on Thursday after he visited Otuoke, his country home and other affected areas in Bayelsa State, noted that many states are now helpless, including Bayelsa, his home state with more than 70 per cent of its land area already submerged.

He said: “I sympathize with the victims of this year’s flood across many states of the federation who have lost loved ones and  properties worth millions. The worsening humanitarian crisis in the affected states calls for urgent action and collaboration by all stakeholders.
“I am touched by the dire situation in some of the affected states, especially my home state Bayelsa where almost all the local government areas are submerged in water and the East-West Road section leading to the state has become impassable, creating scarcity of food and essential commodities.

“Today, I visited Otuoke, my community and a few other communities in Bayelsa State to assess the impact of the flood. It is still a depressing situation in many of the affected communities because of the magnitude of the flood and the disruption and destruction it has caused.
“This is a moment of crisis; we need to work in unity to achieve the goal of giving hope and providing succour to all victims. I urged all citizens of goodwill and humanitarian agencies to demonstrate solidarity with these victims and provide support to those affected.”

The Star