A tragic flood disaster has struck the Ugwu Mkpume Layout of Achalla Agu community in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, claiming the lives of a mother of three and another individual.
The victims were swept away as floodwaters invaded their homes while they slept. Their lifeless bodies were later found in different locations.
The disaster followed an 11-hour downpour that began on Thursday night and lasted into the early hours of Friday, leaving homes submerged, farmlands destroyed, and properties worth millions of naira lost.
Residents of the community have expressed their frustration, attributing the flooding to the poor management of a nearby construction project.
According to locals, the construction company, whose identity remains undisclosed, diverted floodwaters into the community instead of properly channelling them towards the River Niger. This, they believe, worsened the situation, causing the devastating flood.
Ifeanyi Oghota, Vice President of the Ugwu Mkpume Achalla Agu Landlords’ Association, described the incident as a sorrowful outcome of what was initially a well-intentioned road construction project.
He lamented that the road, built along Inland Doors Nkpor-Umuoji Road, became a disaster due to improper floodwater management by the construction firm.
Oghota stated,
“We have not experienced a flood like this in our community in over 25 years. The devastation caused by the construction company’s poor handling of the water channels is unimaginable, and we are calling on the state government to assist us.”
One of the affected landlords, Dr. Alex, shared his heartbreaking experience, noting the widespread damage caused by the floods. “The water destroyed properties, farmlands, and even lives,” he said.
“I am a pig farmer, and the flood swept away my pigs. Many walls and fences were pulled down, and, tragically, it claimed the life of a mother and endangered her three children. Fortunately, the children were rescued and are now recovering in the hospital.”
The body of another man, yet to be identified, was also found in the aftermath of the flood, adding to the community’s grief.
According to Dr. Alex and other residents, the flooding was exacerbated by the improper channeling of floodwaters from neighboring communities like Ogidi, Umunachi, Eke Nkpor, and Obosi.
The community has since informed their representative in the state House of Assembly, with the hope that relevant authorities will address the situation.
The residents also made a heartfelt appeal to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, urging him to take swift action to prevent future disasters.
Efforts to speak with the husband of the deceased mother were unsuccessful, as he was still in shock and unable to comment.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has promised to investigate the incident. Chinyere Nwoye, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, stated,
“We have been informed about the situation and are mobilizing our team to assess the area.”
As the community mourns its loss and grapples with the aftermath of the flood, it is clear that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further tragedies.
The residents of Ugwu Mkpume Layout are hoping that their pleas will not go unheard, and that immediate measures will be taken to safeguard their homes and lives.
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