Flash floods destroy 100 homes, leave 3 people dead or missing in parts of Nigeria

Heavy rains affecting Nigeria since June 14, 2020, have resulted in deadly flash floods, leaving at least people three dead or missing in Kwara, and 100 houses destroyed in Akwa Ibom.

In Kwara, a bridge embankment collapsed in Oko-Erin, killing one person while two others remain missing, feared to be dead. The tragedy occurred late Sunday evening, June 14 amid a heavy downpour.

A witness stated that a car carrying five passengers was washed away by the flood. Two of the passengers managed to save themselves, but the driver and two other people inside were not able to get out.

While the driver had been found lifeless, the two others remain missing as of June 15.

"We are leading men of other relevant agencies along the river bank for the missing persons," said Kwara state police command spokesman, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi.

"We cannot confirm whether they are dead or alive."

The road has now been closed for safety reasons, and residents were urged to stay away from the scene. Meanwhile, the state government has mobilized emergency responders to the scene as efforts are being made to take out the vehicle from the floodplain.

In Akwa Ibom, located in the southern part of the country, intense rains over the past few days destroyed 100 houses and displaced 300 people in Eket Local Government Area. The downpour started about 02:00 UTC (03:00 LT) and ended around 11:00 UTC (12:00 LT).

Residents were displaced in several areas, including in Edem Udom, Grace Bill, Marina Junction, Udoh Umoh, Stadium Road, Ikot Udoma, and Idua Road, among other adjoining streets.

An Edem Udom local named Ubong Mark said he has been suffering consequences of flooding in the area for the past eight years.

"Today’s flood is, indeed, a serious calamity that has befallen me. I was at home preparing for church when water began to enter into my house as a result of accumulated pressure of the downpour," he narrated.

"Right now, I have lost most of my belongings, especially books, electronics, beddings, a laptop, and other personal belongings."

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast across most parts of the country on June 17.

Featured image credit: Ahmad Ishola