Anambra Flood Devastates Shops; Residents Seek Urgent Aid

A heavy downpour on Monday caused severe flooding around Zik’s Avenue, Iweka Road, near the popular Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, destroying goods and disrupting business activities.

The flood, triggered by several hours of non-stop rainfall and worsened by blocked drainage channels, submerged the entire stretch of Zik’s Avenue, displacing traders and halting commercial operations for most of the day.

Videos circulating online showed traders and residents struggling to salvage goods from flooded shops, while a tricycle operator was seen fighting to rescue his vehicle from being swept away by the rising waters.

When our correspondent visited the area on Tuesday, some residents and traders were seen scooping floodwaters from their houses and shops.

Some of them who shared their harrowing experience called on the state government for intervention, saying that flooding has been a persistent issue in the area.

A resident identified simply as Uchenna said, “This area is near the River Niger, any mistake will lead to the flood sweeping someone into the river. That is why whenever it is raining, people are advised to steer clear of the road to avoid being swept.

“The rain was devastating. We have not experienced this kind of flooding in this area, and with the prediction of NIMET of impending flooding in the months to come, the worst may not have come yet.