The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 3,500 residents have been displaced by flooding in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State following rising water levels in the River Niger and increased rainfall.
Ibarakumo Walson, NEMA Director for the South-East Zone, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.
Walson said the figure was part of the findings from a recent assessment of Odekpe, Ohita and Atani communities in Ogbaru, where the impact of the flooding was found to be worsening.
The assessment was conducted by a joint team comprising officials of NEMA, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and the Local Emergency Management Committee.
According to Walson, no deaths or injuries had been recorded, but residential buildings, shops, household items, livelihoods, farmland, and livestock had been affected.
He added that some sections of roads had been cut off, forcing residents to rely on 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.
Enugu Flooding
Walson said a similar assessment in Enugu State showed that about 2,000 houses had been affected, while a bridge and large areas of farmland were submerged in parts of Aninri Local Government Area.
He identified the affected communities as Okpu, Ihibe, Ihuoke, Ukey, Amaeze, Ama Chara, Obiagu, Ovumnand and Obeagu.
According to him, the flooding followed torrential rainfall on Sept. 22, which caused the Ivo Dam to overflow.
“Several families remain trapped in some of the affected areas, while efforts are ongoing to evacuate them to safer locations,” he said.
Walson added that hundreds of displaced residents were taking shelter at Christ Methodist Church in Ihube, Okpanku.
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He said the affected communities were awaiting government relief interventions to cushion the impact of the disaster.
“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,” Walson said.
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