A severe flood has hit four communities in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The affected communities include Mpu, Okpanku, Ndiabor, and Oduma. The flood, which started on September 20, 2026, worsened on September 22 and 23, following torrential rainfall that submerged parts of Afor Okpanku Market, Ivo River Bridge, and adjoining roads. The flood has displaced residents, destroyed household properties, shops, goods, rice mills, and farmlands.
The flood disaster has been described as life-threatening by the Councillor representing Mpu Ward, Mr. Edwin Ogbuka. He attributed the flooding to the overflow of water from the abandoned Ivo River Dam project. Ogbuka called for urgent government intervention to mitigate the effects of the flood. Several houses and farmlands have been affected, with residents currently evacuating and salvaging their families and belongings to safer locations.
In Mpu community, six villages have been affected, with displaced residents taking refuge at Amachalla Town School. A community leader in Mpu, Mr. Dele Chukwu, appealed to the government and relevant emergency agencies to provide relief materials and other assistance to the victims. The flood has also destroyed crops, including rice, cassava, and yam farms worth millions of naira.
The Youth Leader of Okpanku community, Mr. George Ahaefuna, described the disaster as unprecedented. He stated that the flood has destroyed all the community's farm produce for the year. Ahaefuna appealed to the Federal Government, Enugu State Government, and Aninri Local Government to provide aid to the affected communities.
A shop owner at Afor Okpanku Market, Mrs. Patricia Chukwu, reported that goods worth millions of naira have remained submerged in flood water for two days. She urged the government, organizations, and public-spirited individuals to assist those whose houses, goods, and farms were destroyed to rebuild their lives.
The Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, expressed concern over the disaster. He stated that flooding occurs twice yearly in some parts of the area due to the uncompleted Ivo River Dam Project. Nwanjoku said that stakeholders are planning a joint visit to the Ivo River Dam to assess the reservoir and explore possible repairs to prevent further flooding.
The flood disaster has resulted in significant damage to crops, houses, and businesses. The local government is assessing the situation to determine the level of damage. Key stakeholders are expected to visit the affected areas to provide support and assistance to the victims.
Key points
- The flood affected four communities in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
- The flood displaced residents and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
- The disaster was attributed to the overflow of water from the abandoned Ivo River Dam project.
