Ebonyi flood victims ask for urgent help

Victims of the recent flood in Amaegbu, Akaeze Community, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State, are calling for immediate help from the state and federal governments. This includes a nursing mother, Blessing Chigozie, who is struggling with the aftermath of the disaster.

The flood happened on 22 September after heavy rains. It submerged farmlands and homes, leaving over 300 people without shelter.

Many families had to move to safer areas and nearby villages. The affected areas include Amaegbu-Akaibe-Umoihe, Umobo, Amaeze, and Akaeze-Ukwu.

A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited these villages on Monday. They reported that some families were trying to repair their damaged homes for temporary shelter, while others were working to save their belongings.

A nursing mother’s plea

Mrs Chigozie, the nursing mother affected by the flood, told NAN that she and her family are now homeless. The flood destroyed her home and belongings.

The mother of four shared that they have been sleeping outside since the incident. She said, "Look at me with my newborn baby. We have nowhere to go. I am begging the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to our aid."

Mrs Chigozie said her house was one of the worst affected. She added that the flood completely brought down their building.

She explained that her family is facing severe hardship, especially with a newborn and other children to care for. She urged the Ebonyi and federal governments, along with humanitarian groups and individuals, to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, and other relief items for the victims in the community.

Mrs Chigozie also called on authorities to take steps to prevent such disasters from happening again.

Another victim, Michael Oko, linked the flood to River Eziaku. He asked for urgent help to protect communities by the river from future floods.

Mr Oko mentioned that the flood disrupted life in the area. It destroyed properties and affected economic activities. He said those who rely on farming and small businesses suffered greatly due to the disaster.

He urged government agencies to visit the area, evaluate the damage, and provide immediate support to affected families. He also called for an investigation into the cause of the ongoing flooding and for measures to manage the water flow from River Eziaku.

We are sad, we are helpless

Joy Chikezie, another victim, described the situation as troubling. She said many residents lost their homes and jobs.

"As you can see, many houses are down here. You can’t count how many this disaster destroyed."

She added, "We are homeless, and our farmlands have been destroyed too. The losses are many. We are sad, we are helpless, we need help."

The community secretary, Peince Ette-Igwe, reported that over 60 houses were destroyed.

"Some residents were unable to save their belongings before their homes were submerged. We are devastated; we are in pain because the damage caused is enormous."

He stated, "We need temporary accommodation and relief materials, including food, clean water, bedding, clothing, and medical supplies. I urge the government to also assess the affected areas and ensure that help reaches the most vulnerable families."

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi visited the affected villages and gave N5 million to the victims. The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that there were no reports of lives lost in the disaster.