10 die in Imo flood disaster

OWERRI—The death toll in the flood disaster currently rocking Okwuamarihe and Amanachi communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State has risen to 10.

Similarly, over 50,000 families have also been sacked from their ancestral homes by flood, while several houses have been submerged in the disaster.

Narrating the ordeal of his people to newsmen, the traditional ruler, Eze Mike Ebighi, lamented that property conservatively put at over N1 billion have been destroyed.

He regretted that some of his kinsmen have relocated to safer grounds in neighbouring towns, adding that apart from being a danger zone, the people were facing intense hardship and abject poverty.

The royal father traced the origin of the flood to the construction of the Ihiala-Orlu federal highway that passes through the community, stressing that no proper channelisation of flood was incorporated in the design.

He recalled with grief that water-borne diseases had become a regular feature in the community, adding that a recent outbreak of yellow fever claimed several lives in the area.

Speaking also, one of the flood victims, Mr. Godwin Ashiegbunam, said his property had been destroyed by the flood and called on the state government to quickly come to their aid.

-Nigeria Breaking News, Imo State.

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BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

Source: Vanguard