Flood submerges homes, destroys property in Eket LGA
Residents of Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, have lamented widespread flooding caused by heavy rainfall, destroying homes and property worth millions of naira.
The residents spoke with newsmen in Eket on Sunday, following torrential rainfall across the community.
Mrs Elizabeth Akpan, a housewife residing on Mkpok Lane, expressed distress after floodwater submerged her home and destroyed her belongings.
Akpan said the disaster occurred after rainfall lasting more than four hours from Saturday night into Sunday.
She said the flood destroyed her electronics, kitchen utensils and other household items, while water completely took over her building.
“Flood has destroyed my property worth millions of naira due to the heavy downpour that started yesterday and today,” she cried.
Akpan appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently come to her rescue.
“Flood has taken over my entire building. I need help from the relevant emergency agencies before the situation becomes worse,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs Mfonobong Bassey of Edem Udoh Street, said floodwater soaked her beddings and destroyed electronics in her sitting room.
“My children and I have been scooping water from our rooms, kitchen, toilet and bathroom since 4 a.m.
“Flood has submerged my house and soaked the sitting room. God, come and save me and my children from this calamity,” she cried.
Newsmen report that the two-day heavy downpour caused severe flooding in several parts of Eket, forcing residents to seek alternative accommodation.
Some buildings were reportedly damaged or collapsed, while several families fled their homes as floodwater continued spreading.
Areas affected include Ediam Road, Edohoeket Street, Idua Road, Afaha Eket Road, All Weather Road and Ikot Udoma.
Other affected areas include Mkpok Lane and Eket-Oron Road, with residents appealing for urgent government intervention.
Mr Promise Friday, a businessman, said floodwater destroyed more than 80 bags of POP materials and cement purchased for his building project.
He said other belongings in his apartment were also damaged by the flood, leaving him with significant financial losses.
Mr Paul Idongesit, a resident of Idua Road, said the flood collapsed his building and destroyed his late wife’s grave.
Idongesit appealed to NEMA and other relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to residents whose homes and properties were destroyed.
He also urged the state government to construct larger drainage channels and culverts to reduce flooding and its impacts.
Friday appealed to relevant authorities, including the World Bank, to support affected residents and help address the recurring flooding.
Responding, Mr Akaninyene Tommy, Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, described the flooding as devastating.
“The flood is deeply distressing. Homes have been ravaged, properties damaged, and families left to bear the painful consequences,” Tommy said.
He said the council visited affected areas to assess the situation and listen to residents facing the consequences of the disaster.
“We visited the affected areas to see the situation firsthand, listen to our people, and assess the extent of the damage.
“What we witnessed was heartbreaking, and we recognise the urgency of the situation,” the chairman said.
Tommy said the council was engaging NEMA and SEMA, while detailed assessments of affected areas were being compiled.
He explained that the assessments would be submitted immediately to relevant authorities to facilitate timely intervention and support for affected families.
“As a government, we are engaging with NEMA and SEMA, while detailed assessments from affected areas are being compiled,” he said.
Tommy appreciated individuals who had offered support, comfort and solidarity to residents affected by the flooding.
“Every gesture of kindness and solidarity matters, and none will go unnoticed,” he said.
He assured affected residents that the council would continue supporting them and work towards ensuring that no family felt abandoned.
“We will continue to stand firmly with our people and do everything within our capacity to ensure no affected family is left behind,” Tommy said.