Communities in Ogbaru, Anambra State continue to groan over the devastating effects of that continue to ravage the area.
Flood Committee in Anambra chairman, Mr Ogochukwu Nwasike, said help is needed urgently adding that over 20 persons were still missing in a boat mishap that occurred at Umunankwo in Ogbaru Council Area of the State.
About 85 passengers were in the boat ferrying from Onukwu Bridge to Nkwo Ogbakuba Market when it capsized on Friday morning.
Nwasike said since the incident that no government agency had visited the scene to help recover the bodies of the over 20 missing passengers.
“Therefore, I am calling on relevant authorities to come to Umunankwo village to help them recover the bodies of the missing persons
“Some of them may be alive but delay may put their lives in danger,” he said.
He said that the flood had submerged the road leading to the village, making it impossible for some rescuers to visit the scene.
Confirming the incident also, Mr Pascal Aniegbunam, Transition Committee Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra, said that about 30 passengers lost their lives in the accident.
Aniegbunam told NAN in a telephone interview on Saturday that so far, 30 persons were rescued, 20 corpses recovered, while search teams are still looking for more bodies.
According to him, there are serious fears that the victims being looked for are still alive due to flood and high water level in the Niger River at the moment.
The chairman said so far, about 20 persons are still missing since there was conflicting information on the number of passengers.
Aniegbunam said that Ogbaru people were devastated and in shock over the unfortunate accident.
“The accident is painful and devastating, especially to the immediate families of the victims, the council and Anambra State.
“My condolences go to the affected families, Ogbaru communities and all the areas affected by the flood disaster that has practically submerged and displaced thousands of people,” he said.
He noted that houses, farms and other businesses in Ogbaru have been submerged by flood, leaving many people in tears and hopelessness.
According to him, some of the affected communities are: Ogwu Ikpele, Akili Ogidi, Obeagwe, Ossomala, Ogwuaniocha, Umunankwo, Ogbakuba, Ochuche, Umuzu, Akili Ozizor, Atani, Ohita and Odekpe.
Others affected by the ravaging flood are: Amiyi, Iyiowa, Ogbeukwu, Okoti and parts of Okpoko community. NAN
