Flood displaces one million residents in Bayelsa -Gov. Diri

The Bayelsa state Governor, Douye Diri said that one million residents have been displaced by the ravaging floods on Tuesday.

He indicated that the worrisome phenomenon has created a humanitarian crisis beyond the capacity of the state.

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the governor has announced a one-week break for all civil servants except those on essential duties.

Governor Diri, stated these in a radio broadcast. He regretted that the state teaching hospital and two state-owned universities have been shut down because of the flood.

However, he empathised with the people and praised their courageous disposition as they struggle with the natural disaster.

The Governor also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assist the state with grants from the ecological funds.

He added that the sole access to the East-West road has been cut off on several points making road transport to Bayelsa impossible.

According to NAN, public power supply has been cut as a safety measure as most distribution transformers and stations are already submerged.

Fuel stations have also run out of fuel, as they are not able to bring in fuel by road, leaving residents to resort to illegal refineries which are being clamped down by the renewed fight against oil theft.

The extremely high cost of petrol which stands at between N700 and N800 for one liter has led to a more than 100 per cent increase in transport fares while small businesses, like barbers, have jerked up the cost of their services.

The blockade caused by the flood has also triggered a general scarcity of food, manufactured products including beverages and medicines, forcing prices to hit the roof tops.

The telecommunications services has also been affected by the situation as many base stations have run out of fuel.

Exit mobile version