Residents of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have appealed for urgent government assistance after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding and destroyed homes and property worth millions of naira.
The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that torrential rain lasting more than four hours from Saturday night into Sunday submerged several homes and displaced families.
Mrs Elizabeth Akpan of Mkpok Lane said floodwater destroyed her electronics, kitchen utensils and other household items, while Mrs Mfonobong Bassey of Edem Udoh Street said she and her children spent the early hours of Sunday scooping water from their rooms.
Other affected areas include Ediam Road, Edohoeket Street, Idua Road, Afaha Eket Road, All Weather Road, Ikot Udoma, Mkpok Lane and Eket-Oron Road.
Some buildings were reportedly damaged or collapsed, forcing residents to seek alternative accommodation.
A businessman, Mr Promise Friday, said the flood destroyed more than 80 bags of POP materials and cement bought for his building project.
Another resident, Mr Paul Idongesit, said the flood collapsed his building and damaged his late wife’s grave. He urged the government to construct larger drainage channels and culverts to address recurring flooding.
Chairman of Eket LGA, Mr Akaninyene Tommy, described the situation as devastating and said the council had visited affected communities to assess the damage.
Tommy said the council was engaging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to secure assistance for affected residents.
He assured victims that the council would continue to support them and work with relevant authorities to provide relief.
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