A 21-year-old pregnant woman, Mrs. Ozoemena Ugbaga, has been confirmed dead, and three others are missing after severe flooding hit Inyimagu and Ekpa-Omaka communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The State’s Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, confirmed the incident, stating, “Apart from the deceased, who is a mother of three children, and the three missing persons, several others were injured while trying to escape from the flood.”
The flooding was caused by heavy rains between July 18 and 20, affecting various communities in the state. Mrs. Aligwe mentioned the areas hit by the flood, including Unagoke, Mgbo-Mgbaja, and Onuebia in Izzi Local Government Area, as well as Igbudu and Ekpa-Omaka in Ikwo.
She said, “On July 18 and 19, we saw severe flooding in Abakaliki. We visited the affected areas and spoke with the victims. On July 20, there was another heavy downpour that lasted for several hours.”
Mrs. Aligwe added, “We visited all the affected areas, including Onuebonyi, Unagoke, Mgbo-Mgbaja, and Onuebi. We evacuated all the victims from these areas. When we thought the flood had subsided, we received reports of severe flooding in Igbudu and Ekpa-Omaka. A pregnant woman died in the flood disaster, and we have three others missing.”
The Commissioner also noted that the flood caused significant damage to farmlands and properties. “Most of the rice, yam, and cassava farms were destroyed. It is unfortunate that we lost a life. We have been urging people living near waterways to relocate to safer areas or IDP camps,” she said.
Despite the state government’s efforts to raise awareness and urge relocation, Mrs. Aligwe lamented, “We never expected such a sad story.”
In response to the disaster, Governor Francis Nwifuru quickly sent a rescue team to evacuate victims, who are now in safer locations. Mrs. Aligwe added, “The Governor has also asked us to inform the National Emergency Management Agency about the situation for possible distribution of relief materials.”
The Commissioner also mentioned that her ministry has started distributing relief materials to those affected and assured that the state government will continue to assist the victims.
