Abakaliki, Nigeria – The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Ebonyi says about five bodies were recovered and buried while three persons are still missing following the devastating flood incident at Enohia Itim community in Afikpo Local Government Area (LGA).
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Clement Ovuoba, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abakaliki after an on the spot assessment visit on Tuesday with other stakeholders to the scene.
The flood disaster which occurred on August 1 at the community after a heavy downpour, claimed eight lives and affected over 800 farmers whose farm crops were destroyed.
Ovuoba also stated that despite the eight casualties recorded, three, including children, are still missing.
The expert described the incident as disastrous.
The agency boss who sympathised with the deceased families, said that the report would be relayed to Gov. Francis Nwifuru and the National Emergency management Agency as well as other relevant agencies to provide support to the victims.
He said that the assessment was conducted for a comprehensive report on the damage, identifying vulnerable population and implementing other emergency measures.
“According to eyewitnesses, the flood swept away residents, including children, and submerged a vast plantain plantation.
“Despite efforts by canoe users to rescue those affected, five bodies were recovered and buried while three individuals, including two children, are missing.
The comprehensive list of the affected farmers are being expected,” Ovuoba said.
He advised people cultivating and living within the flood prone areas to relocate to higher grounds to prevent future loss of lives and properties.
In his statement, the Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Mr Timothy Nwachi, expressed sympathy with the affected families, and pledged to collaborate with relevant government agencies to provide succour and relief support to those affected.
Nwachi pledged to provide monthly stipends for the upkeep of the children of the deceased.
He provided relief materials, including bags of rice, and assured government support for the victims.
The Council Chairman charged residents to incorporate climate change projections into flood risk management plans and maintain effective drainage system.
The Ubenyi Development Coordinator, Mrs Aisha Isamashi, were among delegates who visited the scene and also provided relief materials.
