The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said that the flood that occurred at Enohia Itim Community in Afikpo Local Government Area (LGA) left at least five persons dead and three missing.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr. Clement Ovuoba, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Abakaliki southeast Nigeria, on Wednesday after his assessment tour of the affected areas on Tuesday, accompanied by other stakeholders.
The disaster, which occurred on August 1 following a heavy downpour, claimed eight lives, while over 800 farmers had their farmlands destroyed.
Ovuoba described the incident as disastrous and sympathised with the bereaved families.
He promised to escalate the report to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of the victims.
The SEMA boss also said that the on-the-spot assessment was conducted to prepare a comprehensive report on the damage, identify vulnerable populations, and implement 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 persons, including two children, are missing.
The comprehensive list of the affected farmers is expected,” Ovuoba said.
He advised people cultivating and living within flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground to prevent future loss of lives and property.
In a statement, the Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, commiserated with the affected families and pledged to collaborate with relevant government agencies to provide succour and relief to those affected.
Nwachi also pledged to provide monthly stipends for the upkeep of the children of the deceased.
He provided relief materials, including rice, and assured the victims of government support.
He further charged residents to incorporate climate change projections into flood risk management plans and maintain an effective drainage system.
The Ubenyi Development Coordinator, Mrs. Aisha Isamashi, was among the delegates who visited the scene and provided relief materials, including bags of rice, bags of salt, and cartons of maggi.