Cross River Governor Pledges Long-Term Support Following Deadly Calabar Floods

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has promised swift government intervention and upgraded infrastructure following a devastating flood and landslide disaster that claimed multiple lives across the Calabar metropolis.

During an weekend assessment tour of the worst-hit areas, Governor Otu expressed profound grief over the scale of destruction, describing the loss of life and property as heartbreaking.

At least five fatalities have been confirmed so far, including a tanker driver and four children from a single family. The severe weather heavily impacted several communities, including:

* Ikot Awatim

* Ikot Ansa

* Calabar South

* Mbukpa

* Big Qua Town

* Ibom Layout

* 8 Miles

While extending condolences to the bereaved families, Governor Otu emphasized that the state government is actively prioritizing both immediate relief and sustainable, long-term environmental strategies. Planned interventions include extensive upgrades to the city’s drainage infrastructure and more robust environmental management systems to protect vulnerable neighborhoods from future seasonal deluges.

“While we cannot undo the pain of this moment, we can, and we will do everything within our power to prevent a recurrence,” Governor Otu stated, assuring displaced and affected residents that they would not be left to rebuild their lives alone.

Emergency response teams remain deployed in the affected zones as the state continues its assessment of the structural damage to homes and public roads.