Flood disaster kills eight, dsplaces thousands in Ebonyi

At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a devastating flood swept through Kpoghirikpo, an ancient kingdom in the Itim community of Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.

The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, destroyed over 800 farmlands and displaced around 3,000 households, creating what locals describe as a major humanitarian crisis.

Among the victims were a mother and her four children, who were swept away by the floodwaters. Community rescue teams managed to save four other children alive, while four bodies have been recovered and buried. Search efforts are ongoing for those still missing.

Residents said the flood struck while many farmers were in their fields, attempting to salvage their crops. The widespread destruction has dealt a severe blow to the local economy and the livelihoods of thousands.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Ann Aligwe, said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has deployed an emergency response team for rescue and relief operations. She confirmed that relief materials have been arranged to support the affected families and urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to government-designated safe zones as the rainy season continues.

Community leaders are appealing to both federal and state authorities for urgent intervention to address the destruction and provide aid to displaced residents.