The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 3,500 people in the riverine community of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra have been displaced by floods caused by rising water levels in the River Niger and increased rainfall.

Ibarakumo Walson, the director of NEMA for the South-East zone, disclosed this in Awka on Friday.

Mr Walson said this was part of the findings from a recent assessment tour of Odekpe, Ohita and Atani communities in Ogbaru, which revealed that the flooding’s impact was worsening.

He said a joint team of NEMA officials, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, and the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) conducted the assessment tour.

Mr Walson said although no deaths or injuries were recorded, residential buildings, shops, household items, livelihoods, farmlands and livestock were affected, while some portions of the road were cut off, forcing residents to resort to water transport.

“More than 3,500 residents, particularly those living close to riverbanks and in low-lying communities, have been affected, while approximately 500 hectares of farmland have been partially or completely impacted.

“Some residents have taken refuge in the homes of relatives and friends, while others have remained in their homes due to concerns about the security of their belongings. No deaths, injuries, or trapped persons were reported as of the time of the assessment,” he said.

Mr Walson said a similar assessment in Enugu State revealed that about 2,000 houses were affected, and a bridge and a vast area of farmland were submerged across some communities in Aninri Local Government Area.

He said the communities were Okpu, Ihibe, Ihuoke, Ukey, Amaeze, Ama Chara, Obiagu, Ovumnand and Obeagu, adding that torrential rainfall on Tuesday caused the Ivo Dam to overflow.

“Several families remain trapped in some of the affected areas, while efforts are ongoing to evacuate them to safer locations. Hundreds of displaced persons are currently taking shelter at Christ Methodist Church, Ihube, Okpanku, where they have sought temporary refuge from the flood.

“The affected communities are looking forward to relief intervention from the government to help cushion the impact of the flood disaster. NEMA will continue to monitor the situation with relevant stakeholders and coordinate further response efforts to ensure the safety, welfare and protection of the affected communities,” he said.

(NAN)