FLASH FLOOD DISPLACES OVER 5,000 IN ANAMBRA
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Over five thousand people have been displaced following a devastating flash flood that hit several communities in Anambra State after hours of heavy rainfall.
The downpour, which lasted from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, submerged roads, farmlands, houses, and over 40 vehicles across Ogidi, Obosi, Amawbia, Ngozika Estate, Nnewi, and Ozubulu, among other areas.
One life was lost, and several people were injured, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Victims, including Mrs. Love Nnoka and Mrs. Joy Okeke, recounted their losses, describing the recurring disaster as a yearly nightmare worsened by poor drainage and blocked waterways.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) assessed the level of destruction, with NEMA’s Head of Operations, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, calling the incident “massive and disastrous.”
SEMA Executive Secretary, Chief Paul Odenigbo, blamed blocked drainage and poor water channeling for the tragedy and urged residents to avoid movement during heavy rainfall.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alongside NEMA and SEMA teams, visited affected areas as residents await government intervention and relief.