Eight people are thought dead in the Niger Delta when a flood sends hazardous marine creatures and pythons into nearby settlements.

Pythons and other hazardous reptiles have entered communities in some sections of Delta State as a result of the disastrous rains. Residents are currently running for cover out of fear of being killed.

Communities along the banks of the River Niger have been devastated by the destructive flood that has shut off portions of the East-West Road. According to reports, it claimed eight lives and ruined crops and homes in the state worth millions of naira.

While others use canoes to cross to the opposite side and board vehicles to continue their journeys, some travelers on the East-West Road have been left stranded.

Mr. Eugene Uzum, the Director General of the State Bureau of Orientation, said this yesterday while providing an update on the flood situation in Asaba. He bemoaned the fact that vehicles carrying supplies for flood victims in damaged areas had become stuck by the raging flood.

Those who reside in the inundated areas have been encouraged to leave by Uzum, who confirmed the death of a large python at Patani. He bemoaned the fact that in addition to the flood, the victims also had to deal with deadly sea animals that are being released as a result of the river overflowing.

He expressed regret that a portion of the Ughelli-Patani axis of the East-West Road had been inundated, saying: “Trucks carrying relief supplies to that axis have been stuck.” In order to get supplies to the IDP camps and the victims, we now use speed boats.

He lamented that 19 out of the 25 local government districts have been damaged by the flood and stated that 4,755 people, including men, women, children, lactating mothers, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, have so far been registered at the camps around the state.

We want to feel sorry for the flood victims, Uzum stated. We particularly applaud their fortitude for heeding the government’s previous warning to leave flood-prone areas.

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has stepped in and established two camps as of right now. The interventionist organization has also been allowing water to freely flow through canals.

To provide temporary housing for displaced residents, the state government has opened ten operational IDP camps at various sites through the 2022 flood management committee, with plans to open additional.

The committee also established distribution hubs from which aid supplies could be transported to IDP camps. To save lives and give aid where it is needed, we are working with local authorities and traditional leaders.