Heavy Downpour Wreaks Havoc In Ebonyi, Submerges Buildings, Churches

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Monday, June 13th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara, Abakaliki

ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA, (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, on Sunday suffered another serious disaster, following a heavy down pour that displaced several residents from their homes.

AFRICAN EXAMINER learnt that those mostly affected by the rain which lasted for over six hours, were those living close to water channels.

While some houses were heavily flooded and submerged, many had their roofs blown off by wild storms that followed the down pour.

The worst hit were areas like Iyiokwu avenue, Onwe road, Hilltop Avenue, Udensi Road, Water Works Road and Udemezue Street, among others.

The ugly incident paralyzed church service at the Christ Embassy 2, located at Onwe Road as the premises were completely submerged.
The Iyi-Udele River, which runs through the middle of Abakaliki, was also heavily overflown and all the buildings that are 30 metres away from the river bank were flooded leading to some fences and buildings almost caving in to the wild wave.

It was also gathered that most of the new generation churches sited along the bank of the River close to Water Works Road, also suffered the devastation.

Some residents said the disaster destroyed properties valued several millions of naira.

Speaking during a visit to some of the affected areas, the state Governor, David Umahi, described the incident as “horrendous” and directed that all structures blocking water channels be pulled down and drains be properly cleared.

The Governor, who sympathized with the victims, directed the State Emergency Management Agency to compile the list of the victims and send same before close of work on Monday (today).

While inspecting the damage on Udensi Street, earlier, Umahi, advised the management of the Gospel Life Church to relocate to another place, promising to pay their rent for a year.