Ebonyi flood victims appeal for shelter and relief after homes are destroyed
More than 300 people were reportedly left homeless after flooding hit communities in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on 22 September. Residents say houses, farms and livelihoods were destroyed, while victims and local leaders are seeking shelter, food, medical supplies and measures to prevent further flooding.
Residents affected by flooding in Amaegbu, Akaeze Community, in Ebonyi State’s Ivo Local Government Area have appealed to state and federal authorities for urgent assistance after homes and farmlands were submerged. The flooding occurred on 22 September following heavy rainfall and reportedly left more than 300 people homeless. Families from Amaegbu-Akaibe-Umoihe, Umobo, Amaeze and Akaeze-Ukwu were forced to move to safer locations and neighbouring villages.
A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who visited the area on Monday reported that some residents were attempting to repair damaged houses for temporary shelter. Others were trying to recover personal belongings from the affected communities. Blessing Chigozie, a nursing mother whose home was destroyed, said her family had been sleeping in the open with her newborn baby and other children.
She appealed for help from the Ebonyi and federal governments, humanitarian organisations and individuals. Chigozie said the victims needed shelter, food, medical supplies and other relief materials. She also called for practical steps to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.
Michael Oko, another resident, attributed the flooding to River Eziaku. He said the disaster disrupted daily life, damaged property and affected farming and small businesses. Oko urged government agencies to assess the damage, provide immediate support and investigate ways of controlling water flow from the river.
Joy Chikezie said many residents had lost both their homes and means of livelihood. Community secretary Peince Ette-Igwe said more than 60 houses were destroyed and requested temporary accommodation, food, drinking water, bedding, clothing and medical supplies. The Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi visited the affected villages and donated N5 million to victims.
The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that no deaths were recorded.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.