Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
Ten families, including a journalist and a lecturer living at Trinity Street of Akwakuma, in Owerri, North Local Government of Imo State has been trapped in their homes while several building structures have been destroyed by a devastating flood/landslide.
The ugly development has forced scores of residents to immediately vacate their homes with their family members, properties and belongings to another locations.
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The unfortunate incident which occured Sunday last week held residents in their homes for several hours
One of the trapped victims Mr. Emma Ogu, a journalist and lecturer in the department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State told The Nigerian Xpress that he managed to move out his family members thro the bush after breaking a fence wall, on Friday.
He said he has the fear that the area may be submerged given the incessant flooding of the area and it’s devastation.
Ogu said that the area is usually heavily flooded at any drop of rain adding that even the last downpour has increased the gully created by the erosion to about 2 km by lenght with 10 feet deep.
According to him cars no longer pass through the street while many residents moved out their belongings, at the weekend, to other another locations for safety.
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Speaking on the disaster when he visited the area with some of the Governors appointees and government consultant on erosion project, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Iyke Njoku, advised families of those directly affected to relocate temporarily assuring that work is about to commence in the area to check the situation.
Also a delegation from Speaker of House of Rep. RT. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has also visited the area to sympathise with the people.