Man, Teenage Girl Swept Away While Attempting Rescue in Aba Flood

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that a man and a teenage girl were swept away by floodwater during a heavy downpour at Faulks Road, Aba, on Sunday.

The incident occurred around the popular Ukwu Mango area of the commercial city, near an ongoing construction site where an uncovered ditch had reportedly filled with rainwater.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident while responding to inquiries from Vanguard.

According to her, the teenage girl was passing through the area when she reportedly hit a stone and fell into the water-filled ditch.

An adult who witnessed the incident immediately plunged into the ditch in an attempt to rescue her. However, the strong current swept both of them away.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to see them. The police are aware, and the matter has been reported. Efforts are in place to see how they can be rescued,” Chinaka said.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the two victims had yet to be found as search efforts continued.

When asked whether the construction company responsible for the site could face charges over alleged negligence, Chinaka said investigations were ongoing.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of construction sites during heavy rainfall, particularly where excavations and drainage channels are left uncovered and subsequently submerged by floodwater.

Parts of Aba are vulnerable to flooding during intense rainfall, raising concerns about the dangers posed by open drains, waterlogged roads and unprotected construction excavations.

As search efforts continue, questions remain about the safety measures in place at the construction site and whether adequate precautions were taken to prevent such incidents.