Ebonyi flood victims seek urgent intervention

Victims of a recent flood disaster in Amaegbu, Akaeze Community, in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State, including a nursing mother, Blessing Chigozie, have appealed for urgent state and federal intervention to alleviate their suffering.

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The flood, which occurred on 22 September following heavy rainfall, submerged many farmlands and houses, rendering over 300 people homeless.

The incident forced many families to relocate to safer grounds and neighbouring villages. The affected villages include Amaegbu-Akaibe-Umoihe, Umobo, Amaeze, and Akaeze-Ukwu.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the affected villages on Monday, reported that some families were trying to fix their damaged houses for temporary shelter. Some were also struggling to salvage their personal belongings.

A nursing mother’s appeal

Mrs Chigozie, the nursing mother and flood victim, told NAN that the flood had rendered her family homeless, destroying her home and property.

The mother of four said the family had been sleeping in the open since the incident.

“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,” she said.

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Mrs Chigozie regretted that her house was among the worst hit, adding that the flood completely pulled down their building.

She noted that the situation had exposed her family to severe hardship, particularly with a newborn baby and other children.

She appealed to the Ebonyi and federal governments, humanitarian organisations and individuals to help provide shelter, food, medical supplies and other relief materials to the flood victims in the community.

Mrs Chigozie also urged the authorities to initiate practical measures to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.

Another victim, Michael Oko, traced the flood to River Eziaku and appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to communities lying by the waterway.

Mr Oko said the flood disrupted normal life in the area, destroyed property and stalled economic activities.

He said residents who depended on farming and other small-scale businesses were severely affected by the disaster.

He 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.

‘We are sad, we are helpless’

Another victim, Joy Chikezie, described the incident as worrisome, saying that many residents lost both their homes and means of livelihood.

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

READ ALSO: Houses destroyed as floods wreak havoc in Ebonyi community

“We are homeless, and our farmlands have been destroyed too. The losses are many. We are sad, we are helpless, we need help,” Mrs Chikezie said.

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

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

“We need temporary accommodation and relief materials, including food, potable water, bedding, clothing and medical supplies.

“I urge the government also to intensify assessment of the affected communities and ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable households,” Mr Ette-Igwe said.

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.