By Our Correspondent

National News – Residents of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area and Ifite-Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised alarm after severe flooding submerged homes, churches, farmlands, and business premises following days of persistent rainfall.

The disaster left many families displaced and forced several residents to seek refuge in safer areas.

The flooding, which occurred on Sunday and Monday, destroyed household property, damaged roads, and disrupted economic activities across the affected communities.

Residents blamed the recurring incident on poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, and unchecked building construction on natural water channels.

At St. John Street in Ifite-Awka, residents were seen evacuating valuables from flooded buildings while others struggled to clear water from their homes.

The flood also pulled down fences and affected several worship centres, including a Pentecostal church whose auditorium and equipment were badly damaged.

The District Head of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Sam Ufo, said musical instruments, official documents, and electronic devices were destroyed by the flood.

He explained that developers had blocked drainage routes originally designed to channel floodwater into nearby canals, worsening the environmental crisis.

Community leaders and youths described the flooding as a growing humanitarian problem threatening lives, education, and livelihoods.

Chairman of the affected street, Uzo Umejiege, appealed to the government to construct wider drainage systems capable of controlling heavy water flow during the rainy season.

In Ogidi, angry youths staged a peaceful protest to demand urgent intervention from both the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government.

The President of Ogidi Youths, Chris Obi-Okafor, said farmlands, roads, and businesses had suffered massive destruction, while schoolchildren now struggle to attend classes whenever rainfall occurs.

Traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alexander Onyido, also called for immediate government action to prevent further environmental damage and possible loss of lives.

Officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Environment said efforts were ongoing to clear drainage channels and sensitise residents on proper waste disposal.