Flood Crisis: Talented Bayelsa Artist Wails, Postpones Exhibition, Shares Photos as Water Takes Over Studio

• An artist in Bayelsa, Angalapele Tombara Samson, has narrated how flood destroyed his art tool and took over his studio
• Tombara said on Tuesday, October 18, that he has postponed his art exhibition slated for late October and early November
• Although he lamented that everything is at standstill for him at the moment, Tombara believes things will change positively soon

Yenagoa, Bayelsa - It seems that Bayelsa is the worst-hit state when it comes to the ongoing flood disaster that is ravaging most riverine areas in Nigeria.

The natural disaster is taking its toll on businesses and other aspects of people's lives, some of whom are already displaced.

Blocked drainages aggravated flood

A very talented artist in the state, Angalapele Tombara Samson, a native of Yenagoa LGA, who spoke with Legit.ng on Tuesday, October 18, lamented that he has been forced to postpone his exhibition initially slated for October 27th-30th and November 3rd to 6th till further notice.

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Tombara said the incident which was partly caused by blocked drainages in the area, took place on Thursday, October 13.

Tombara speaks on his losses

Speaking on his losses, Tombara told Legit.ng:

"On Thursday the 13th of October, 2022, the flood in Bayelsa took a different turn as the drainage and canal points were totally blocked due to the rise and speed of the flood.

"The Atmosphere Gallery was totally taken by the flood. The impact of the flood destroyed some parts of my studio floor, easels, tables, and chairs...

"Communities and villages have either been totally or partially submerged by flooding in the state. Houses, churches, shops, and filling stations were not left out.

"As an artist who lives and practices art in Yenagoa, the state capital, this is a major challenge to me because right now everything is at a standstill...I hope it gets better soon."

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Flood crisis: Nigerian governor declares 7-day rest for workers in affected state

Following the flood ravaging Bayelsa communities and displacing residents, the state government on Tuesday, October 18, declared a seven-day rest for workers.

The declaration came after Governor Douye Diri personally went to some affected communities in the state to see for himself the extent of damage done by the flood.

He wrote on his Twitter page on Friday, October 14:

"I was very disturbed with what I witnessed yesterday when I visited the flooded Sagbama town and Tungbo community both in Sagbama LGA. Our government sympathizes with all affected people. We will do our best to support them."

Source: Legit.ng