The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that more than 3,500 residents of riverine communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State have been displaced by floods arising from rising water levels of the River Niger and increased rainfalls.
A similar assessment in Enugu revealed that about 2,000 houses were affected, a bridge and a vast area of farmland were submerged across some communities in Aninri Local Government Area.
Ibarakumo Walson, the Director of NEMA in-charge of the South-East zone disclosed this in an interview in Awka on Friday.
Walson said this was part of the findings from a recent assessment tour of Odekpe, Ohita and Atani communities in Ogbaru of Anambra.
He said the assessment revealed that the impact of the flooding was becoming more severe.
According to him, the tour was done by a joint team of NEMA officials, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC).
Walson said although no death or injury were recorded, residential buildings, shops, household items, livelihoods, farmlands and livestock had been affected while some portions of the road had been cut off forcing residents to resort to water transport.
“More than 3,500 residents, particularly those living close to riverbanks and in low-lying communities have been affected while approximately 500 hectares of farmland have been partially or completely affected.
“Some residents have taken refuge in the homes of relatives and friends, while others have remained in their homes due to concerns about the security of their belongings.
“No deaths, injuries, or trapped persons were reported as of the time of the assessment,” he said.
Walson listed the communities affected by the flood in Aninri Local Government Area to include Okpu, Ihibe, Ihuoke, Ukey, Amaeze, Ama Chara, Obiagu, Ovumnand Obeagu.
The NEMA Director said the flood in Enugu was also caused by torrential rainfall of Sept. 22, which resulted in the overflow of the Ivo Dam.
“Several families remain trapped in some of the affected areas, while efforts are ongoing to evacuate them to safer locations.
“Hundreds of displaced persons are currently taking shelter at Christ Methodist Church, Ihube, Okpanku, where they have sought temporary refuge from the flood.
“The affected communities are looking forward to relief intervention from the governments to help cushion the impact of the flood disaster,” he said.
“NEMA will continue to monitor the situation with relevant stakeholders as well as coordinate further response efforts to ensure the safety, welfare and protection of the affected communities,” he said.
-NAN