Floods cause destruction in Ebonyi community

Many houses and farmlands worth millions of naira were destroyed as floods hit several communities in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The flooding started on Tuesday after heavy rain caused a river nearby to overflow. Several houses were submerged, and some mud houses collapsed as the floodwaters rose.

Some residents lost their homes when the flood caused their buildings to fall. A video shared on Facebook showed a building in Akaeze partially collapsing after being overwhelmed by the flood.

Ifeanyi Odii, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, announced a donation of N5 million to help the affected residents. Mr Odii made the donation on Thursday through a delegation led by Chukwuma Igwe, the state’s PDP Chairman, during a visit to the community.

Mr Igwe told reporters that around 134 families were affected by the flooding. Speaking to the victims and community leaders, Igboke Felix, a member of the delegation, said the donation aimed to provide immediate help to those impacted.

Mr Igboke, who is the PDP candidate for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, said Mr Odii would have come in person, but he had other commitments. “We are here to commiserate with you. It’s quite unfortunate, even though it is avoidable and can be corrected.

“Whatever we are going to do today, we are doing it as a party, not as a government,” he added. The politician assured the affected residents that government representatives would come for more support.

“NEMA and other agencies will provide assistance because it’s not a small disaster,” he stated. Mr Igboke promised that Mr Odii would seek a long-term solution to the flooding issue in the community and other affected areas of Ebonyi if elected governor in 2027.

He said the proposed PDP-led government would focus on fixing the causes of flooding instead of only offering help after disasters. “By the grace of God, when we come to office (in 2027), whatever causes this environmental disaster, we will ensure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Abia Okoro, the Chairman of Amaegbu Village in Umuobor Community, told reporters that the community had never faced flooding as bad as this one. Mr Okoro said the area is vulnerable because it is close to the riverbank.

“This is the Amaegbu Community. We are affected by the flood because we are nearer to the riverbank. Everywhere was filled with flood. Even in my house, the water is still on the roof,” he said.

Mr Okoro pointed to some damaged houses, saying the disaster had displaced residents and destroyed property. He added that he had never seen flooding like this in his entire life. “It has never happened since I was born,” he said.

The affected residents appealed to the Ebonyi State and federal governments to quickly provide relief materials and take steps to prevent more flooding in the community.