The ongoing torrential rainfall has caused significant damage in Awka metropolis, with two buildings collapsing at Umudioka by Agu-Oye and four electricity poles falling near the Old Government House area.
The two buildings at Umudioka reportedly collapsed after a nearby gully erosion site caved into them, while the four electricity poles at Aroma, which were carrying high-tension wires, were being disconnected by officials of First Power.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, said the building collapse was caused by an age-long gully erosion that had gradually extended into residential areas.
Dr. Onuko assured residents that the state government would take necessary steps to address the erosion site and prevent further damage.
He noted that there are several erosion sites across Anambra State requiring urgent intervention, stressing the need for individuals, communities and groups to collaborate with the state government in tackling the menace.
According to him, the state is losing land to erosion on a daily basis, making collective action necessary to address the problem.
He also advised residents to desist from activities that could worsen flooding and erosion in their communities.
Speaking on the incident, a member of the family that owns one of the collapsed buildings, Lady Okwudilichukwu Nweke, said the building collapsed suddenly during the rainfall. She attributed the incident to improper channeling of water in the area, which she said gradually developed into a gully.
Nweke disclosed that no casualty was recorded in the incident, but appealed to the state government to come to the family’s aid.
She said the family had been rendered homeless, adding that floodwaters swept away most of their belongings and left them uncertain about where to begin rebuilding their lives.
