EKET — Residents of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed for urgent government intervention after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding, submerging homes and destroying property worth millions of naira.
The residents spoke after heavy rainfall lasting more than four hours from Saturday night into Sunday caused flooding in several parts of the community.
Mrs Elizabeth Akpan, a housewife living on Mkpok Lane, said floodwater completely took over her home and destroyed her electronics, kitchen utensils and other household belongings.
“Flood has destroyed my property worth millions of naira due to the heavy downpour that started yesterday and today,” she said.
Akpan appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency to urgently assist affected residents.
“Flood has taken over my entire building. I need help from the relevant emergency agencies before the situation becomes worse,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs Mfonobong Bassey of Edem Udoh Street, said floodwater soaked her beddings and destroyed electronics in her sitting room.
“My children and I have been scooping water from our rooms, kitchen, toilet and bathroom since 4 a.m.»
“Flood has submerged my house and soaked the sitting room. God, come and save me and my children from this calamity,” she said.
The two-day downpour affected several parts of Eket, forcing some residents to seek alternative accommodation.
Some buildings were reportedly damaged or collapsed as floodwater spread across affected communities.
The affected areas include Ediam Road, Edohoeket Street, Idua Road, Afaha Eket Road, All Weather Road, Ikot Udoma, Mkpok Lane and Eket-Oron Road.
Mr Promise Friday, a businessman, said the flood destroyed more than 80 bags of Plaster of Paris materials and cement he had purchased for a building project.
He said other belongings in his apartment were also damaged, leaving him with significant financial losses.
Mr Paul Idongesit, a resident of Idua Road, said the flood collapsed his building and destroyed the grave of his late wife.
He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide immediate assistance to families whose homes and property were destroyed.
Idongesit also called on the state government to construct larger drainage channels and culverts to mitigate flooding in the area.
Friday appealed to relevant authorities, including the World Bank, to support affected residents and help tackle the recurring flooding.
The Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Mr Akaninyene Tommy, described the situation as devastating, saying the council had visited affected communities to assess the damage and hear directly from residents.
“The flood is deeply distressing. Homes have been ravaged, properties damaged, and families left to bear the painful consequences,” Tommy said.
He added:
“We visited the affected areas to see the situation firsthand, listen to our people, and assess the extent of the damage.
“What we witnessed was heartbreaking, and we recognise the urgency of the situation.”
Tommy said the council was engaging the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, while detailed assessments of the affected areas were being compiled.
“As a government, we are engaging with NEMA and SEMA, while detailed assessments from affected areas are being compiled,” he said.
According to him, the assessment reports would be submitted to relevant authorities to facilitate timely intervention and support for affected families.
The council chairman also appreciated individuals who had offered support and solidarity to victims of the disaster.
“Every gesture of kindness and solidarity matters, and none will go unnoticed,” he said.
Tommy assured affected residents that the council would continue to support them and work to ensure that no family was abandoned.
“We will continue to stand firmly with our people and do everything within our capacity to ensure no affected family is left behind,” he said.
