A resident of Bayelsa State, Prince Crispus Amarabhi Ovoh Jr. has launched a GoFundMe project to alleviate the woes of the victims of the flood that has submerged and ravaged parts of the state as basic humanitarian needs skyrocket.
In a video seen by News Band, in some areas such as Sagbama, Ogbia, Ekeremor, Kolokuma /Opokuma, Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw, whole communities were seen submerged with only roofs sticking out of the water.
Watch the video below:
Describing the plight of Bayelsans in the “Bayelsa flood emergency (Nigeria)” GoFundMe project, Prince Ovoh Jr. said the targeted amount is 500,000 British Pounds.
According to him, the funds will be used for food, medicines, emergency accommodation and necessities (including beds, camp nets, bedsheets and pillows), as well as post-flood support and rehabilitation.
He wrote:
“I am fundraising for the basic humanitarian needs of the flood victims in Bayelsa State in Nigeria. The Niger Delta is being affected by the worst flooding in 10 years.
“During the 2012 flood, there were 431 casualties in Nigeria and 1.2 million people displaced across many states. The current tragedy is still unfolding, but floods have already claimed lives and devastated communities, farmlands and socioeconomic activities.
“The areas most affected are Sagbama, Ogbia, Ekeremor, Kolokuma /Opokuma, Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw. Out of 8 Local Government Areas, six are submerged by water.
“Academic activities in the affected areas have been suspended: the Bayelsa State Government has directed that schools in Bayelsa State be on a six-week break to protect pupils and students from the flood disaster.
“As a result of the flood, crocodiles and snakes compete with the inhabitants for space and started attacking and occupying the homes of Bayelsans.
“The flooding – caused by the opening of a dam in Cameroon, which worsened the problem of heavy rain – could last until January.
“Support from the government is scarce and disproportionate to the enormous need. Over 2 million persons urgently need food, medicines and relief materials.
“According to Niger Delta University (NDU) the flood has cut off the livelihoods of over 1.2 million people.
“Almost 75% of the areas affected by the flood are within Bayelsa State, which is where my family comes from, where I grew up, and where my people live and cry for help. That is why I decided to set up this fundraiser.
“The funds will be used for food, medicines, emergency accommodation and necessities (including beds, camp nets, bedsheets and pillows) and post-flood support and rehabilitation within Ogbia LGA, Yenagoa LGA, Ekeremor LGA, Kolokuma Opukima LGA. Southern Ijaw LGA. A Committee to manage funds and coordinate the relief effort will be organised in Bayelsa.
Interested persons can donate using the following link: Donate.
Prince Ovoh Jr. contacted News Band correspondent and sought for help to raise awareness and solicit for support from responsible quarters.
He said: “Greeting my brother. My name is Crispus Ovoh, the promoter of the fundraising arrangement for the Bayelsa flood victim.
“I am fundraising for the basic humanitarian needs of the flood victims in Bayelsa State in Nigeria.
“I’d really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this GoFundMe.
“Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its goal.”
“At this crisis time building up to election such a natural predicament is befalling us. That is why we organized the GoFundMe account.
“We give God the glory for life but we as a people need the support of our brothers and sisters around the world to come to our aids by supporting the campaign to raise funds for Medicare camp beds, mosquito nets, foods and clean water.
“Sir, assist us to reach out to people globally to share and support in kind our cause by reaching us through GoFundMe and drop their support to enable us reach out fast to the flood victims in Bayelsa State.
“This is the growing hardship the flood is causing for us in this state. Plead with your brothers and help us.
“Thanking you for understanding. We need your support for Bayelsa flood emergency (Nigeria).” Read more.
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