A commercial tricycle operator has died after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to rescue a woman during a heavy downpour in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred on Monday night around Miracle Junction along Ifite Road, where torrential rainfall reportedly caused severe flooding in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the tricycle operator, believed to be in his 40s, rushed to help a woman who had become trapped in the rapidly flowing floodwater. However, he reportedly lost his footing while trying to reach her and was carried away by the current.
Residents said the two victims were heard crying for help before their voices eventually disappeared.
The body of the tricycle operator was recovered from a flood channel near Book Foundation, close to Miracle Junction, on Tuesday morning.
The woman, however, remained missing as of the time of the report.
An eyewitness, Kelvin, said residents watched helplessly as the flood swept the victims away, adding that the heavy storm also damaged buildings, fences and other property in the neighbourhood.
“When the rain became heavy, we saw two women walking close to the floodwaters. One of them lost her footing and was swept away. The tricycle operator went to rescue her, but the flood carried both of them away,” he said.
Security personnel and government officials later arrived at the scene. Officials reportedly began assessing the damage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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A government official, who spoke anonymously, said authorities were also examining whether blocked drainage channels contributed to the flooding.
The official expressed sympathy over the incident and urged residents to exercise caution during heavy rainfall.
Residents were also advised to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels and waterways, as blocked drainage systems can worsen flooding and increase the risk of further disasters.
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