A recent flood disaster in Amaegbu, Akaeze Community, Ebonyi State, has left over 300 people homeless, with many families relocating to safer grounds and neighbouring villages. The flood, which occurred on 22 September, submerged farmlands and houses, causing severe hardship for the affected communities. The incident has prompted victims to appeal for urgent state and federal intervention to alleviate their suffering.
The affected villages, including Amaegbu-Akaibe-Umoihe, Umobo, Amaeze, and Akaeze-Ukwu, are in dire need of assistance. A nursing mother, Blessing Chigozie, whose family was rendered homeless, has appealed for help. Her house was among the worst hit, with the flood completely pulling down their building. She and her family have been sleeping in the open since the incident, exposing them to severe hardship, particularly with a newborn baby and other children.
Mrs Chigozie has urged the Ebonyi and federal governments, humanitarian organisations, and individuals to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, and other relief materials to the flood victims. She also called for practical measures to prevent a recurrence of the disaster. Another victim, Michael Oko, attributed the flood to River Eziaku and appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to communities along the waterway.
The flood has disrupted normal life in the area, destroyed property, and stalled economic activities. Residents who depended on farming and other small-scale businesses were severely affected by the disaster. Mr Oko called on relevant government agencies to visit the area, assess the damage, and provide immediate relief to affected households. He also urged authorities to investigate the cause of the recurrent flooding and develop measures to control water flow from River Eziaku.
Other victims have expressed their sadness and helplessness, with many losing both their homes and means of livelihood. Joy Chikezie described the incident as worrisome, saying that many residents lost everything. The community secretary, Peince Ette-Igwe, said over 60 houses were destroyed, and some residents were unable to salvage their belongings before their homes were submerged.
The community is in dire need of temporary accommodation and relief materials, including food, potable water, bedding, clothing, and medical supplies. Mr Ette-Igwe urged the government to intensify assessment of the affected communities and ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable households. The Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi visited the affected villages and donated N5 million to the victims.
The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that no lives were lost in the disaster. The agency's response and further government interventions will be crucial in supporting the affected communities. Key efforts will focus on providing relief materials, shelter, and assessing the damage to develop long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.
Key points
- Over 300 people were rendered homeless due to the flood disaster in Ebonyi State's Ivo LGA.
- The flood victims are appealing for urgent government and humanitarian aid to alleviate their suffering.
- The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that no lives were lost in the disaster.
