By: Sam Udekwe
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Enugu Operations Office, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the flood disaster that ravaged Okpanku in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the flooding of September 22, 2026.
The assessment, carried out in collaboration with the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESMA) and community representatives, was aimed at determining the extent of the devastation and the immediate needs of the affected residents.
According to findings from the assessment, nine communities – Okpu, Ihibe, Ihube, Ukey, Amaeze, Ama Chara, Obiagu, Ovum and Obeagu — were affected by the flooding, which followed torrential rainfall and the overflow of the Ivo Dam.
The flood reportedly submerged accessible bridges, affected about 2,000 houses and destroyed large expanses of cultivated farmlands, thereby worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected communities.
Several families are said to remain trapped in some areas, while efforts are ongoing to evacuate them to safer locations.
Hundreds of displaced residents are currently taking refuge at Christ Methodist Church, Ihube, Okpanku, where they have sought temporary shelter following the disaster.
The Head of Operations, NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Priscilla Madukwe, expressed sympathy with the affected residents during her visit to the temporary shelter.
Madukwe assured the victims that the Federal Government, through NEMA, was aware of their plight and would take appropriate steps to provide the necessary assistance and support.
She also reiterated NEMA’s commitment to working with the state government, emergency agencies and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
NEMA said it would continue to monitor the situation and coordinate further response efforts aimed at ensuring the safety, welfare and protection of residents in the affected communities.(Chronicle Gist)
