By NAWFOR UKA, Abakaliki –
In a tragic incident, a severe flood struck the Enohia Itim Community in Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving three individuals, including two children, unaccounted for.
The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall on August 1, also destroyed farmlands belonging to over 800 farmers.
Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Clement Ovuoba, disclosed these details in a press statement in Abakaliki on Wednesday, following an assessment visit to the affected area on Tuesday.
“The incident was catastrophic,” Ovuoba remarked, expressing condolences to the grieving families.
He noted that eyewitnesses reported the floodwaters sweeping away residents and submerging extensive plantain plantations.
Despite rescue attempts by local canoe operators, only five bodies were recovered and laid to rest, while the search continues for the missing.
Ovuoba emphasized that his team conducted an on-site evaluation to compile a detailed report on the damages and identify vulnerable groups for targeted emergency measures.
He vowed to escalate the findings to Governor Francis Nwifuru and the National Emergency Management Agency to secure aid for the victims.
Additionally, he urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer, elevated grounds to avoid future tragedies.
The Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, also extended sympathies to the affected families, pledging to work with government bodies to provide relief.
“We are committed to supporting the victims,” Nwachi stated, announcing plans to provide monthly stipends for the children of the deceased and distributing relief supplies such as rice, salt, and seasoning cubes.
He further called for integrating climate change considerations into flood risk management and maintaining effective drainage systems.
Ubenyi Development Coordinator, Mrs. Aisha Isamashi, joined the assessment team and contributed relief materials to support the community.
The collective response underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to assist the affected and prevent future flood-related losses.
