Over 2,000 residents of Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, were rendered homeless while 300 houses were destroyed following a flood that ravaged the area.
It was gathered that most residents have fled their homes while others have had their belongings buried in the sand. Some government institutions including a secondary school and Okpoko secretariat were also affected by the flood.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, 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 impassable.
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 the flood.
“Areas most affected include Ezeakunne street, Unity Comprehensive secondary school and environs, Okpoko secretariat, and 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 on Ezeakunne street, attributed the scourge to the ongoing road construction work in the area. “The situation worsened since they awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of Mgbemena street in Awada, Obosi.
“The sand the construction firm piled there is always 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 state government to come to their rescue before the devastating flood sacks the entire residents.
