Eight Killed, Thousands Displaced By Flashflood in Ebonyi Community

A devastating flood has claimed the lives of at least eight people and displaced thousands in a community in Ebonyi State, following heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc over the weekend. Channels Television reports that the disaster, which struck after torrential downpours, destroyed more than 800 farmlands and affected over 3,000 households, triggering a major displacement crisis. Among the casualties were a mother and her four children, whose bodies were recovered and buried after community search and rescue teams pulled four other children to safety. Several residents remain missing as search efforts continue. Eyewitnesses revealed that many farmers were on their farmlands at the time of the incident, attempting to salvage crops before the floodwaters swept through. The destruction of farmland and homes has dealt a heavy blow to the community’s economy and livelihood. In the wake of the tragedy, residents are appealing to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention, relief materials, and long-term flood mitigation measures. Responding to the situation, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Ann Aligwe, confirmed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had deployed an emergency response team for rescue operations. She noted that the state government had made provisions for relief materials to support affected victims. Aligwe also urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to relocate to designated safe zones provided by the government as heavy rains persist.