Extensive Damage from Heavy Flooding
Heavy flooding has severely damaged Azuoto, Okpuitumo Community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The flood destroyed farmlands and properties worth millions of naira. At least 96 households have been impacted by the devastation. Residents are struggling as their homes and livelihoods are submerged.
Farmlands Submerged and Livelihoods Threatened
Chinyere Nworie, one of the affected residents, reported that her rice, yam, and cassava farms were completely submerged. “This flood happened on Saturday following Friday’s rainfall. Our farms have been taken over by the flood,” she told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Friday.
Recurring Flooding Due to Proximity to Rivers
Nworie explained that flooding has become a recurring issue due to the community’s close proximity to Azuoto and the Ebonyi River, which connects to the River Niger. “Our community has always suffered flooding every year, especially whenever it rains heavily and water overflows the Ebonyi River bank,” she added.
Residents Call for Government Intervention
Another resident, Amauche Agbo, described the situation as “unfortunate” and urged authorities to assist. The victims are appealing to government at all levels to provide relief materials to help alleviate the disaster’s impact.
Emergency Management Agency Responds
Uche Oba, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, stated that the agency has begun assessing the affected communities. “We are working to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the necessary support for the victims,” he said.
Broader Concerns Over Disaster Preparedness
This incident highlights the need for improved infrastructure and disaster management in the region. Recently, the ECOWAS Commission, during a Disaster Management meeting in Abuja, urged West African governments to increase disaster management budgets to address frequent disasters affecting 75% of the region, attributing the adverse impacts to climate change.
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