The Ijaw Women in America has said 600 people have been killed and millions displaced from their homes by flood in the Niger Delta.
The women also raised the alarm about the worsening living conditions of the flood victims.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the National President of the Ijaw Women of America, Mrs. Eunice Apreala, and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
According to Apreala, the conditions caused by the flood which include submerging of homes and crops also require international help.
She said, “Over 600 people are dead, and millions of people have been displaced due to the recent flood Disaster.
“We, the Ijaw Women of America Incorporated, bring to the world’s attention the recent flood across Nigeria that has left many lives and properties in a devastated state, particularly the Ijaw people in the Niger Delta region.
“Over three million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced! All their homes and crops have been submerged in water. Yet no state of the Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on this troubling development.
“It is noteworthy that this neglected area produces the lion’s share of all the oil used to keep the Nigerian economy afloat.
“Our people have been left hungry and hopeless, wading through dangerous waters and wandering the streets since these unforeseen circumstances occurred over two weeks.”
The IWA President lamented that those who escaped being drowned by the flood are now battling for space with dangerous reptiles like crocodiles and poisonous snakes.
She made the case for relief materials for the victims even while pointing out that the flood’s water level was rising.
“Furthermore, poisonous snakes and other dangerous reptiles swim in the Ijaw communities’ shoreland. People are being bitten and killed by these dangerous animals daily.
“All the access roads leading to these communities and their farmlands are currently nonexistent as they have been swept away by the flood.
“Our people are crying for help! Our people are dying! How long will the world continue to watch and see our people lose their precious lives? How long will our government fold its hands and allow innocent children to die needlessly by their inaction?
“I plead with to all persons both local and foreign to come up with aids in support of our people. We are crying for help; we don’t want to lose one more life, every life is important and their destiny needs to be fulfilled,” she said.