Flood Wreaks Havoc In Anambra

Agricultural produce and farmlands worth millions of naira were destroyed by flood when Uzuzu River in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area overflowed its banks.

The Tide’s who visited the area yesterday, reports that the flood rendered many people homeless.

The flood destroyed cassava, yam and rice farms.

Sugarcane plantations as well as farmlands along Asonkota, Afuluenyi, Iruotu and Ogu villages in Ifite-Igbariam were also destroyed.

A victim of the flood, Mr Edozie Emeka, described his situation and those of other victims as ‘helpless’, saying the flood had compelled them to harvest their crops prematurely.

Chief Pius Chinweze, a 90-year-old farmer, told newsmen that some buildings had been washed away and appealed to the state government to come to their assistance.

“The flood destroyed all our crops forcing us to harvest them prematurely; we want government to assist us in tackling the problem once and for all.

“As a matter of fact, the government should declare the area a disaster zone to enable us receive the required attention,” Chinweze added.

Mrs Theresa Ezinando and Mr. Anthony Okafor said the profit they had estimated to make from their farms could no longer be realised as hunger could become their greatest challenge.

The source also reports that school children were also affected as part of their school buildings were destroyed aven as they were being conveyed to school on canoe.

Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Environment to comment on the matter was not successful.