Torrential rain wreaks havoc in Yenagoa, leaves residents homeless

• As Anambra farmers embark on premature harvesting of crops
Residents and shop owners in Yenagoa are reeling from a torrential downpour that wreaked havoc on homes and businesses, leaving many homeless and causing significant property damage.

The heavy rain, which began around 11:00 a.m. yesterday and continued unabated at the time of reporting, left primary and secondary school students stranded, with those who braved the storm drenched and their books soaked.

In Amarata, residents sprang into action to rescue four pupils who had fallen into an overflowing drainage ditch while trying to navigate their way home from school.

Shop owners were seen desperately attempting to salvage their goods as floodwaters, exacerbated by dirt and refuse clogging the drains, swept through their premises at the Punch Road end of Amarata, Yenagoa Local Council.

The floodwaters also inundated numerous houses, particularly in the Ompadec and Punch Road areas.

Ejime, a shop owner who was witnessed trying to salvage what he could, expressed shock at the suddenness and severity of the flooding. He reported losing a significant portion of his goods and was tirelessly bailing water from his shop to save what remained.

Reports from other parts of the state capital indicate a dire situation, with thousands potentially facing homelessness in the coming days.

RELATEDLY, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Paul Odenigbo, said yesterday that some farmers in the state have embarked on premature harvesting of crops to beat the impending flood disaster.

Odenigbo said this during an interactive session with journalists in Awka while giving an update on the state’s flood situation.

He said many community farmlands had already been submerged following increased water levels.

He said: “The water level has been increasing and is expected to rise further, following activities from some neighbouring countries. These translate to more flood waters in Nigeria through the river channels. Some farmers have started harvesting their crops prematurely, and we call on those living in the riverine areas to relocate to higher ground whenever they notice an emergency increase in the water level.

“The state government has concluded arrangements through the flood response committee, headed by the deputy governor, to ensure that those who will be displaced are taken care of during their stay in camps.”

The agency has also commenced cleaning and fumigation of the holding camps across the state to make them habitable for the people who will be displaced by flood, which may likely increase in the coming weeks.”

Odenigbo urged the Federal Government to dredge the rivers or construct dams as a permanent solution to the yearly flooding in the country.