The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has commenced efforts to support victims of a devastating fire outbreak that destroyed homes and displaced 12 households in Calabar Municipality, conducting a comprehensive damage and needs assessment to facilitate prompt humanitarian intervention.
The assessment, led by the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, was carried out shortly after the Agency received a distress report of the midnight inferno at No. 174 Etagbor Layout, Block B, Ward 2.
The fire reportedly razed 11 residential rooms and a commercial shop, while partially affecting a church building within the compound. Although no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, the blaze left several families homeless after destroying household furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, food items, cash, valuable documents and other personal belongings estimated to be worth several million naira.
Speaking during the assessment, Mr. Nyong sympathised with the affected families and assured them that the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, shares in their plight and is committed to providing the necessary support.
He explained that the assessment was undertaken to accurately document the extent of the damage and generate credible data that would guide government intervention and support from humanitarian partners.
“The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that the needs of the affected families are properly captured to facilitate timely assistance,” he said, urging the victims to remain hopeful as the Agency works with relevant stakeholders to mobilise relief.
Mr. Nyong also emphasised the importance of fire safety, advising residents to exercise caution in the use of electrical appliances and naked flames while investigations into the cause of the incident continue.
One of the affected residents recalled that the fire was first noticed after children in the compound raised the alarm, shouting “Fire!” Despite efforts by neighbours to contain the blaze, he said it spread rapidly before it was eventually brought under control.
As of the time of the assessment, the exact cause of the fire had yet to be established and is expected to be determined through further investigation by the appropriate authorities.
During the exercise, the CR-SEMA team engaged with victims, verified the losses sustained by each household and identified emergency shelter, food assistance, cash support, clothing, bedding, hygiene materials and psychosocial care as the most urgent needs.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian partners to deliver timely assistance and strengthen disaster response across Cross River State in line with the People’s First agenda of the Otu administration.
By David Asu
