BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri
Those who never visited the communities sacked by the recent flood surge at its peak may not fully appreciate what the affected people are currently passing through. The same is also true of those who are not victims of the flood.

It sounds like a fairy tale that a building, including storey buildings, can be completely swallowed by the surging flood. But this ugly incident happened in several communities in Imo State. Areas originally inhabited by people suddenly turned into a vast volume of water!

Flooded part of Oguta

People were displaced and rendered homeless. Hard earned properties and ecosystem were destroyed. Farmlands, cash crops, poultry and fish farms were swallowed by flood. Over 123 farm settlements and satellite towns are under water.

Crops that were almost ready for harvest were all lost to the ravaging flood. Wildlife, fauna and flora became mere history. Reptiles, especially the dangerous ones like snakes, were dislodged. Snake bite became rampant in the affected communities.

A good percentage of oil wells in Oguta and Egbema were shut unceremoniously and production stopped. Oil workers scampered into safety. The power plant currently under construction in Egbema was submerged. Apart from the workers abandoning work on the site, only God knows the state of the equipment already installed and when work will resume at the site.

Two people were reported dead in Oguta. Health hazard in the affected communities became an issue, indeed a serious matter. Sources of water have thereafter been polluted. With this level of devastation, agony and confusion, people’s virtue of love and compassion came under serious test.

Some notable Imo sons and daughters took up the challenge. The first to visit the flood victims and made huge personal donations was the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. The speed with which he responded to the distress call of the flood victims was amazing. Others included Governor Rochas Okorocha, the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the Minister of State (1) for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri and the member representing Oguta/Egbema/Oru East federal constituency, Chief Gerald Irona.

“I am shocked at the level of devastation. This is a sad visit. It is a thing of joy that Oguta people started looking for remedies instead of rioting. This shows the level of understanding and development of the people,” Ihedioha said.

He reasoned that “flood is now a national issue”, promising that all the remedies put in place by government would go round and no area would be short changed. He also assured that relief would reach the people soonest.

Ohakim described the level of devastation in the affected communities as “very grave”, stressing that his visit was a demonstration of love to those affected.

“Imo people cannot forget you in this time of need. It is regrettable that the flood affected areas are the oil-bearing communities and by extension, the wealth and food zones of the state. I enjoin you to ensure equitable distribution of the relief materials,” Ohakim pleaded.

Although the flood has started receding gradually, the huge ruins visited on people’s homes and farmlands, as well as the pains of the victims are still very visible. The question that has continued to agitate the minds of some concerned citizens is the post management of the flood disaster.