Flood submerges 33 Imo communities

According to reports, the development has rendered several people in the affected areas homeless.

Eze Ikeji Bright, traditional ruler of Abacheke who decried the development, said his people were predominantly farmers.

The traditional ruler who said his people had been rendered homeless following the disaster, called on government to come to the rescue of his community.

The monarch said, “Government should assist us. We need urgent assistance such as food items, clothing, mosquito nets and other relief materials. We need government intervention as soon as possible. Our Governor should find lasting solution to the flood disaster by ensuring that Oguta Lake and Urashi River are dredged as he disclosed recently, and also dredge the two rivers in this area.”

Obinna Ariaga, cordinator of Egbema North Development Area disclosed that the communities affected by the flood were now using boats to evacuate human beings and property from their houses to dry land.

He added that the flood had led to loss of farmlands, plantations and fishing ports in the communities.

He expressed fears that soon the communities might be plunged into hunger and starvation as a result of the monumental loss, and opined out that there may be outbreak of water borne diseases as a result of the flooding.

“I am appealing to the Federal Government through NEMA, international organisations and other well-spirited individuals to come to the rescue of our communities affected by this flood,” he added.

The 33 affected communities are Abacheke community, with villages namely: Ogbedeyi, Ogboru, Okishikpa, Umudeyiezege, Umueze, Umuezukwefi, Umulakpu, Umuogrinya, Umuojioke.

Other communities include: Mmahu, Abaeze, Umuoji, Obeakpu, Obiakpu, Etekwuru, Obokofia, Mgbara, Oforola, Umudike, Ekugba, Opuoma, Okwuzi, Mgbede, Aggah, Uzuagbai, Iyomikwu, Iberu.

Others are: Eyoka, Ukpa, Edekamagha, Bridge Ogboru, Nwamjuamuyi, Tumali, Abaraukwu, Olutu, Olubumuocha, Ugutu, Otuocha, Okemgabaga, Iyonminta and Utuogo.