Okpoko community in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State has
been ravaged by flood, destroying 300 houses and rendering 2,000
residents homeless.
The Nation gathered that most residents have fled their homes while others had their belongings buried in the sand.
Some government institutions, including a secondary school and Okpoko Secretariat were also reportedly affected by the flood.
President General of the community, Edwin Emesinwa, said about 100
buildings with over 700 occupants, including landlords and tenants were
either pulled down or sand-filled to roofing level.
He revealed that over 1,300 of those living along Obodoukwu road were
also rendered homeless while the roads remained inaccessible.
He said: “Since the commencement of this year’s rainy reason, it has
been destruction galore in Okpoko. Nobody is spared anytime it rains.
“Most parents don’t allow their children to go to school if it rains,
while they will rush to pick those already in school before they will
be carried away by flood.
“Areas mostly affected include Ezeakunne street, Unity Comprehensive secondary school and environs, Okpoko
secretariat, Obodoukwu road where the 15-feet deep sakamory drainage system has been completely filled with sand.
“One of the victims, Ugochukwu Ejezie, whose house is located along
Ezeakunne street, attributed the scourge to the ongoing road
construction work in the area.
“The situation is worsened since the awarded of contract for the rehabilitation of Mgbemena street in Awada, Obosi.
“The sand the construction firm piled there will always be carried by
the flood with other debris down to Okpoko through Ezeakunne street and
that is why you have this massive destruction,” he lamented.
He called on the state government to come to their rescue before the entire residents got sacked by the devastating flood.