Posted by Chinenye on Wed 24th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
A worsening flood disaster has pushed authorities into urgent action as entire communities battle rising waters and mounting losses.
(Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Photo Credit: Daily Post)
The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned three commissioners and other relevant government officials to appear before it on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to address the escalating flood crisis devastating communities across the state.
The directive follows widespread flooding triggered by persistent rainfall and rising water levels from the River Niger, which has submerged homes, markets, farmlands and business premises in flood-prone areas including Ogbaru, Idemili North and Oyi local government areas.
Among the worst-hit locations are Relief Market, Ochanja Market, Building Materials Market in Ogidi, and parts of Onitsha.
Reports indicate that two persons are currently missing and feared dr0wned at the Building Materials Market, while the force of floodwaters has swept away fences and left several roads badly damaged.
Footage shared online showed motorists, women and children wading through submerged streets, with vehicles and buildings swallowed by the waters.
Many families have been displaced and are seeking refuge in upland areas. One r£sident in Ogidi, a poultry farmer who gave her name as Chinyere, described her losses with anguish.
"The flood has swept away most of my birds. I had waited to relocate them, but the flood came suddenly. It has ruined my hopes and wasted my labour. I don't know where to start.
I borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale poultry farming this year," she said.
Lawmakers also cited a separate incident in which a tricycle rider was reportedly found d£ad in Onitsha following a flood-related incident, as well as footage showing a Toyota Venza vehicle swept away by floodwaters.
The Assembly, during Tuesday's plenary, resolved to invite Commissioner for Environment Dr Clem Aguiyi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Okey Ezeobi all of whom are to appear before the House by 2pm on Thursday.
Lawmakers blamed the crisis in part on blocked drainage channels caused by indiscriminate refuse dumping, particularly in densely populated commercial cities such as Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.
They called for proper channelisation of floodwaters, intensified public sensitisation on waste disposal, and the construction of catchment points in residential buildings.
Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, while welcoming the motion, said the resolution would help address the state's recurring flooding challenges, stressing that it is the duty of legislators to speak up for the people of Anambra.