Flood: NEMA Confirms Death of 76 Persons in Anambra Boat Mishap

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the tragedy that led to the death of 76 persons in a boat mishap in the Ogbaru area of Anambra State at the weekend.
The mishap followed rising flood in the area.
The zonal coordinator of the NEMA, South East, Thickman Tanimu, who confirmed the development said the boat carrying 85 passengers capsized in Umunnankwo community of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He said three other people lost their lives in a flood incident at Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
NPO Reports that NEMA coordinator disclosed that the victims were trapped by the rising flood and were trying to escape danger when the incident happened.
“People were thinking that it was the normal floodwater that would eventually recede,
“People were thinking that it was the normal floodwater that would eventually recede, which is why they refused to leave their homes.
“What I suspected happened yesterday at Ogbaru, Anambra, going by the report we received from the State Emergency Management Agency, is that the water kept rising and the people were trapped.
“They decided to escape the rising water and 85 of them jam-packed inside the boat, which capsized due to the rising flood.
“It is very unfortunate because the flood has covered many houses up to roof level.
“It is very unfortunate because the flood has covered many houses up to roof level.
“Out of the 85 persons, 9 were found and the remaining 76 are nowhere to be found.
“Also, at Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu, two men and a pregnant woman died in the flood.
“It is sad to note that as at yesterday we recorded 79 deaths due to the rising flood, 76 in Anambra and three in Enugu,” he said.
He said airlifting was the only solution to the rising flood in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.
“People were thinking that it was the normal floodwater that would eventually recede, which is why they refused to leave their homes.
“What I suspected happened yesterday at Ogbaru, Anambra, going by the report we received from the State Emergency Management Agency, is that the water kept rising and the people were trapped.
“They decided to escape the rising water and 85 of them jam-packed inside the boat, which capsized due to the rising flood.
“It is very unfortunate because the flood has covered many houses up to roof level.
“Out of the 85 persons, 9 were found and the remaining 76 are nowhere
People of Enugu State have called for help over the displacement of their kinsmen with the rising water level.
The outgoing Chairman of the Governor’s Forum Kayode Fayemi, had during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari three days ago, called for Federal Government’s help for the displaced people.
He said there are emerging humanitarian crisis from the flood.