CRIES AS FLOODING RAVAGES SOME EBONYI COMMUNITIES

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Some farmers in Ebonyi State are already counting their losses following the devastation of their farmlands and homes by flood.

The development was a reflection of the Annual Flood Outlook of the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), which predicted that four Alocal government areas of Izzi, Ikwo, Abakaliki, and Afikpo in Ebonyi State would be among parts of the country to be affected by flooding this year.

Observation showed that it was a tale of woes at Onuebonyi and Inyimagu Communities in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as flood not only sacked some residents from their homes but also destroyed groundnut, cucumber, rice and cassava farms.

One of the victims, Mr. Kelechi Iroko, said he lost about N2 million as his piggery and cucumber farms were destroyed by the flood.

Another farmer, who gave his name as Mr. Uche Chukwu, said the flood came unexpectedly and attributed it to the blockage at the meeting point between Iyiudene River and Ebonyi River allegedly caused by the contractors who handled the channeling of water ways in the state.

A woman, whose house was submerged, Mrs. Anthonia Nwokocha, said she could no longer sleep in her home as the flood destroyed her mattress and other furniture.

A widow, Mrs. Chima Ukamaka, who evacuated from his home with her entire family said they now sleep in their neighbours house and called for emergency intervention by the state government to forestall a recurrence.

Other victims, including Mr. Philemon Ofoke, appealed to National Emergency Management AGENCY (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to come to their aid.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU