Torrential Rain Leaves Families Homeless as Buildings Collapse, Power Poles Fall in Awka

By Emmanuel Okonkwo | Ichie Times

For one family in Umudioka, Awka, the heavy rainfall brought more than flooding. It took away their home.

Two buildings have collapsed at Umudioka by Agu Oye in Awka, after a nearby gully erosion site reportedly gave way during the torrential rainfall, while four electricity poles carrying high tension cables also fell around the Old Government House area.

At the collapsed buildings, household belongings were seen scattered around the area, with residents counting their losses. No life was lost in the building collapse, but one of the affected families says it has been left homeless.

A family member, Lady Okwudilichukwu Nweke, said the incident happened suddenly during the rainfall after water became improperly channelled and gradually developed into a gully. She appealed to the Anambra State Government for urgent assistance, saying much of the family’s property was swept away.

The Managing Director of the Awka Capital Development Authority, ACTDA, Dr Ossy Onuko, attributed the building collapse to an age long gully erosion that has gradually eaten into the surrounding houses.

Dr Onuko assured that the state government would take necessary steps to address the erosion site and prevent further damage. He, however, warned that several other erosion sites across Anambra require urgent attention.

He called for collective efforts by residents, communities and relevant stakeholders to support government intervention, warning that erosion continues to consume portions of land across the state.

As rainfall continues, residents are now appealing for urgent intervention before the expanding erosion threatens more homes, infrastructure and lives.