By DADA AYOKHAI
A heavy downpour that lasted for days has wreaked havoc in Igarra headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State
The downpour reportedly resulted in heavy flooding that submerged no fewer than 20 houses in the town and several other homes in surrounding villages.
A lone motorcycle rider identified as Uche was also swept away by floodwaters while traveling from Somorika to Igarra, His body was recovered two days later.
The devastating flood affected residential, commercial, and religious buildings in the town and neighbouring communities. It also uprooted graves of persons buried in homes, while some houses remained completely submerged for several days.
Findings revealed that Iretutu Axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road, and Rest House Road among others, were the worst hit by the flood.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Hon. Alabi Oshionogue, said relevant agencies including the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA have been informed.
He said:
“We have taken records and communicated SEMA, and we are also following up on it. We sympathize with the affected families while making plans to ameliorate the situation as a government.
We are working in collaboration with SEMA to ensure those affected by the flood are reached in this trying time.
I have also directed the HOLGA and the *HOD, Environment/Works to carry out immediate assistance by clearing drainages and removing refuse and waste deposited by the flood across affected areas.”
Also speaking, the Councillor representing Ward 1, Hon. Asebe Rabi described the flood as devastating.
“Many people have lost their properties and means of livelihood,” he said, and called on relevant authorities to come to the aid of the victims.
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