Flood, Windstorm Destroy Farms, Shops in Ebonyi Communities

News in brief:

—Flooding and strong winds damaged farms, shops and goods worth millions of naira in several Ebonyi communities.

—Farmers and traders are appealing for government assistance, relief materials and agricultural support.

Heavy rainfall and windstorms have caused widespread damage to farmlands, crops and businesses in parts of Ebonyi State, leaving many residents counting their losses.

The affected areas include communities in Abakaliki and Akpoha in Afikpo North Local Government Area, where torrential rain led to flooding and destruction of property.

Flooding Wipes Out Crops Worth Millions

The rainfall, which lasted for more than four hours, caused severe flooding along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway and submerged several farmlands.

Farmers said the flood destroyed crops including yam, cassava, maize, rice and melon, affecting their investments ahead of the harvest season.

One farmer, Cletus Idam, said the disaster wiped out the resources he had committed to farming activities this year.

He appealed to the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the level of damage and provide assistance to affected communities.

Farmers Seek Agricultural Support

Residents said communities including Afikpo, Amasiri and Akpoha have suffered significant agricultural losses due to the flooding.

Another farmer, Sunday Ewa, called on the state government to provide relief materials, improved seedlings, chemicals and other farm inputs to help farmers recover.

He noted that the terrain of the affected areas makes them vulnerable to recurring flooding, putting farming activities at risk.

A community leader in Afikpo, Chief Joseph Irem, described the destruction as a major threat to agricultural production and local food supply.

He said community representatives would report the incident to relevant authorities and seek urgent intervention for affected residents.

Irem expressed hope that both the state government and emergency management agencies would support victims.

Windstorm Damages Shops and Traders’ Goods

The disaster also affected commercial areas in Abakaliki, where strong winds damaged buildings and removed the roofs of several shops.

Traders at Kpiri-Kpiri Market reported losses after rainwater damaged goods, including electrical appliances and other merchandise.

Petty traders at Ebebe Junction Evening Market in Amike-Aba also said their makeshift shops were affected, with goods destroyed by rainfall.

Affected traders said they lost valuable goods, including grains and other items worth hundreds of thousands of naira.

They appealed for government agencies' support, explaining that their businesses provide essential income for their families.

Residents urged relevant authorities to provide relief assistance and recovery support to help communities rebuild after the disaster.