A devastating flood has hit the Enwan Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, after the Ojirami dam overflowed. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall that started at 6 am, has caused widespread destruction and disruption to daily life. The floodwaters have submerged houses, businesses, and farmlands, leaving many residents stranded. The overflow has also caused erosion on major roads, further exacerbating the situation.

The flood has had a significant impact on the local economy, with many businesses forced to shut down. Students were unable to attend classes, while farmers were hindered from accessing their farms. A poultry farm was also severely affected, with 1,400 birds killed in the disaster. The owner, Monday John, expressed his concerns about the future, stating that his means of livelihood had been destroyed.

Monday John, the owner of the affected poultry farm, called on the government to take action to prevent such disasters in the future. He suggested that the government should liaise with the water board to release water from the dam in a controlled manner to prevent overflow. The flood has also destroyed a palm oil mill belonging to Chief John Omaze, adding to the economic losses suffered by the community.

The flood has raised concerns among residents about the potential for a major disaster if the dam collapses. Ehis, a resident, emphasized the need for the state government to take immediate action to prevent a catastrophe. He warned that if the dam collapses, the effects could be far-reaching, with several communities submerged.

The Enwan Community is now facing the challenge of recovery and rebuilding. Residents are calling on the government to provide assistance and support to help them recover from the losses suffered. The community is also seeking measures to prevent such disasters in the future, including the maintenance of the dam and effective management of floodwaters.

The incident has highlighted the need for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies in Edo State. The government has been urged to take proactive measures to prevent such disasters and provide support to affected communities. The flood has also underscored the importance of community preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

As the Enwan Community begins the process of recovery, residents are counting their losses and hoping for government intervention. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The government and relevant agencies have been tasked with taking concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Key points

  • The Ojirami dam overflowed due to heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction and disruption in the Enwan Community.
  • The flood has had a significant impact on the local economy, with many businesses and farms affected.
  • Residents are calling on the government to take action to prevent a major disaster if the dam collapses.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.