A university student has died after floodwater swept her away when the vehicle she was travelling in with her father was pushed into a drainage channel in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident happened on Monday at Okotimi Layout, behind the Asaba Specialist Hospital, following heavy rainfall in the area.
The deceased was reportedly in the front passenger seat of a Toyota Corolla with her father, who was driving her to the location of her industrial training.
According to an eyewitness, the floodwater became intense while they were on the road and eventually forced the vehicle into the drainage channel.
The student reportedly called for help and raised her hand before she was carried away by the flood.
Her father was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention, while efforts were immediately launched to locate his daughter.
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The Delta State Emergency Management Agency, operating under the Ministry of Bureau for Special Duties, joined the search operation and engaged divers to look for the missing student.
The Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Ejiro Terry Etacherure, said the search continued from Monday until Wednesday, when boat operators around the Otogwu River area of Anwai Road alerted the agency after noticing a floating body.
The body was subsequently recovered, while a family member was contacted to confirm the identity.
An ambulance from the Asaba Specialist Hospital later transported the remains to the hospital morgue.
Residents said the drainage channel had previously been involved in similar incidents during periods of heavy rainfall, with vehicles reportedly swept into the canal.
They blamed the recurring accidents on inadequate drainage infrastructure, saying the existing channel was unable to handle the volume and force of floodwater during heavy downpours.
The deceased’s uncle, Andy Emephia, also appealed for urgent attention to the drainage problem, stressing the need to prevent similar tragedies in the area.
Residents have therefore urged the relevant authorities to improve the drainage system around the community and take measures to reduce the risk of further deaths and property damage during heavy rainfall.
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