Flood Crisis Deepens in Awka-Etiti as Mayor Secures State Assessment, Residents Demand Urgent Action
By Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu
Residents of Awka-Etiti in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State are grappling with severe flooding that has submerged homes, destroyed farmlands, and disrupted daily activities following days of heavy rainfall.
The flooding, which has particularly affected the IKB Junction axis and surrounding areas, has left many families counting their losses and fearing further devastation as the rainy season intensifies. Residents say the recurring disaster has become a major threat to lives, property, and economic activities in the community.
Concerned by the worsening situation, the Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Amaka Obi, on June 21, brought the matter to the attention of the Anambra State Government, seeking urgent intervention to address the recurring flood menace and safeguard affected residents.
In response, the state government dispatched the Director of Works, Engr. Harold Eze, to conduct an on the spot assessment of the affected areas. The visit enabled government officials to inspect the drainage infrastructure and evaluate the extent of damage caused by the flooding.
Speaking during the inspection, Engr. Eze explained that the volume of water flowing from the IKB Junction area had exceeded the capacity of the existing drainage channels. He noted that the community requires wider and deeper drainage systems, as the current structures are inadequate to accommodate the heavy runoff experienced during intense rainfall.
The Director further stated that major drainage construction projects are typically executed during the dry season to ensure quality and durability. He assured residents that the state government would consider temporary measures to mitigate the flooding while plans for comprehensive drainage works are being developed.
The assessment visit attracted key stakeholders, including the President-General of Awka-Etiti, Chief Emeka Ezeoke. Residents used the opportunity to express their concerns and highlight the scale of destruction caused by the persistent flooding, noting that floodwaters frequently overflow drainage channels and inundate homes, farmlands, and other valuable property.
One of the affected persons, Mr. Emeka Efo, lamented that school children are often stranded whenever heavy rainfall floods the roads. According to him, many pupils and students are unable to return home after school until the floodwaters recede, exposing them to hardship and safety risks.
While expressing appreciation to Mayor Obi for drawing government attention to their plight, residents stressed that urgent action is needed beyond assessments and inspections. With no construction work yet underway, they remain hopeful that the state's intervention will translate into concrete solutions before further losses are recorded.
More photos below.
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