Ebonyi Flood Disaster Claims Eight Lives in Afikpo Community

• Eight people, including three children, have died in a tragic flood that swept through Enohia Itim community in Afikpo, Ebonyi State
• The disaster, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, destroyed over 800 farmlands and displaced hundreds of residents
• Local authorities have launched rescue operations and pledged relief support, while urging communities to adopt climate-conscious flood management strategies

A catastrophic flood has claimed eight lives in the Enohia Itim community of Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, following days of relentless rainfall.

The tragedy, which unfolded at a plantain plantation, has left the region reeling from loss and destruction.

The Public Relations Officer of the Afikpo Council, Mr. Sunday Nkama, confirmed the incident, stating that the flood devastated over 800 farmlands and directly affected more than 800 residents. He disclosed that three bodies had been recovered, while five individuals remained missing. Among the deceased were three children.

Hon. Francis Abani Okpani, the Councillor representing Itim Ward in the Afikpo Legislative Council, corroborated Nkama’s account and emphasised that rescue efforts were ongoing.

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Authorities and local volunteers have been working tirelessly to locate the missing persons and provide support to affected families.

Afikpo chairman calls for climate-conscious flood management

Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Chief Timothy Nwachi, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

He pledged that the local government would collaborate with state and federal agencies to deliver humanitarian aid and relief materials to those impacted.

Chief Nwachi also highlighted the vulnerability of Afikpo to flooding, referencing prior assessments by the Federal Ministry of Environment. He urged residents to adopt climate change projections in their flood risk management strategies and to maintain clean and flowing drainage systems.

“We must keep our waterways free from debris to prevent blockages,” Nwachi advised.

The incident has reignited calls for proactive flood mitigation measures across Ebonyi State, particularly in flood-prone zones like Afikpo.

As rescue operations continue, local authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant and prioritise environmental safety to avert future tragedies.

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Things to know about Ebonyi

Ebonyi State, located in southeastern Nigeria, was created in 1996 from parts of Enugu and Abia States. Its capital is Abakaliki, and it is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people. Known as the “Salt of the Nation,” Ebonyi is rich in natural resources and has become a hub for agriculture, especially rice, cassava, and yam production.

The state features diverse landscapes, including forests and savannahs, and is home to cultural landmarks like the Uburu Salt Lake and Abakaliki Rice Mill. Despite being one of Nigeria’s youngest states, Ebonyi has made notable strides in development and infrastructure.

FG alerts 19 states to prepare for 5-day flooding

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal Government has predicted a heavy rainfall that would last for a period of five days and may lead to flooding in 19 states in the country and 76 locations.

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This warning was disclosed in a statement by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment on Tuesday, August 5, asking stakeholders and residents to immediately take precautionary measures.

Source: Legit.ng