In Rivers State, Nigeria, as the sea level begins to rise, and with the 2023 flooding predictions looming, women in the state are raising their voices and urging the government to take immediate action to relocate communities that are at risk of being affected by this impending disaster. Additionally, the Natural Justice Movement Nigeria organized a climate change and energy transition walk, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in addressing this year’s flooding challenges.
The Women’s Plea:
Dr. Mfon Utin, the Coordinator of the Healthy Life and Development Initiative, highlighted the alarming rise in sea levels, aligning with the predictions made. She stressed the urgency of the situation and called on the government to swiftly activate the emergency camps that have been planned to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.
Dr. Utin emphasized the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on women, as they often serve as the primary breadwinners in their families. The devastating consequences of past flood disasters have left many families struggling to recover their lost sources of livelihood. It is in times like these that the government’s intervention is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
FG Estimates Fresh Flooding, Says 662 Killed In 2022
Relocation for Safety:
The women of Rivers State have made a compelling case for the relocation of vulnerable communities to safer grounds. Some areas in the state have already begun to experience flooding, underscoring the need for immediate action. By moving residents to secure locations, lives can be protected, and the impact of the impending floods can be mitigated.
The Natural Justice Movement Nigeria commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for establishing a flood response committee. However, they urged the governor to ensure that this committee is inclusive. Inclusivity, in this context, means involving women, youths, community leaders, and civil society organizations in the decision-making process. These stakeholders are intimately connected to the communities at risk and should play a vital role in shaping strategies to address the impending flooding.
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