Two buildings have collapsed in Umudioka, near Agu-Oye in Awka, Anambra State, following torrential rainfall that worsened a nearby gully erosion site.
The erosion reportedly caved in and extended towards the residential area, causing the buildings to collapse and leaving affected families homeless.
Four electricity poles carrying high-tension wires were also brought down during the incident. Officials of First Power reportedly disconnected the affected power lines to prevent further danger.
One of the affected residents, Lady Okwudilichukwu Nweke, said her family lost most of their belongings after floodwaters swept through the area.
Nweke said the incident was caused by improper water channelling, which gradually developed into a gully. She confirmed that no lives were lost but appealed to the Anambra State Government to assist her family and other affected residents.
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The Managing Director of the Awka Capital Development Authority, ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, attributed the incident to long-standing gully erosion that had gradually spread into residential areas.
Onuko assured residents that the government would take steps to address the erosion site and prevent further damage.
He also urged individuals, communities and groups to work with the government to tackle erosion across the state, warning residents against activities that could worsen flooding and erosion.
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