…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
In Enugu State, a young man tragically drowned on Monday after a heavy downpour that caused extensive damage in the area.
The heavy flood was a result of intense rainfall that began on Sunday night.
The victim, identified as Chukwudi, was residing in an apartment situated near a narrow drainage between Nkpokiti and Presidential Road in Ogui Township, Enugu.
It was in this location that he became trapped in the floodwaters.
Reports indicate that Chukwudi had recently performed traditional rites and was making preparations for his upcoming wedding with his fiancee.
Unfortunately, the unfortunate incident occurred before their joyous occasion could take place.
Chukwudi’s apartment was located in an underground room within a block of flats that obstructed a channel responsible for draining water from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and the surrounding areas into Asata River.
An eyewitness and co-tenant, Nkechi Eze, shed more light on the incident, explaining that the flood from the blocked drainage had been a persistent issue for over six years.
However, previous incidents had not resulted in any loss of life, causing some occupants of the basement to move out.
Regarding the latest tragedy, Eze recounted, “Yesterday, though the girl and boy don’t sleep there anymore, [they] only came to check their property.
Then the rain started.
The flood came, and he was the one that came out telling people that the flood had come again.
His fiancé and every other person came out, but he said he wanted to bring out his property.
He went in and didn’t come out again.
A deaf and dumb girl that occupied one of the apartments almost drowned but was rescued by those who went to help.”
Efforts were made by the police to pump out the water from the basement, starting at midnight until 5 am.
The search concluded with the discovery of Chukwudi’s lifeless body, which was subsequently retrieved by the police.
The local DPO (Divisional Police Officer) commented on the dire conditions, stating that “even an animal cannot live here, let alone a human being.”
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that heavy floods can have on vulnerable communities and the urgent need for proper infrastructure and drainage systems to mitigate such risks.