Ocean Surge Displaces 3,762 Residents, Destroys Nearly 300 Homes in Delta — NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that no fewer than 3,762 people were displaced after an ocean surge ravaged Abarabebe, Ogulagha and Obuguru communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The agency disclosed this after its Benin Operations Office carried out a joint assessment of the affected communities following a distress call received through the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) from the Ijaw Youth Council.

According to NEMA, the assessment team was received by the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Julius Takeme, who led officials to the affected communities to evaluate the extent of the destruction.

The agency said the disaster affected 627 households, with 329 houses partially damaged and 298 completely destroyed by the ocean surge.

NEMA added that the disaster also washed away three churches, forcing thousands of residents to seek temporary shelter with relatives and host communities in neighbouring villages.

The assessment team further observed extensive damage to jetties and shoreline protection structures, warning that the destruction has left the affected communities more exposed to flooding, coastal erosion and future ocean surges.

NEMA expressed sympathy to residents who suffered losses in the disaster and assured them that the findings of the assessment would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to facilitate humanitarian assistance.