Panic As Natural Disaster Hits Aba Community

There was panic at Umuola Ukpulo Autonomous Community in Ogbo Hill area of Aba, Abia State, yesterday, when the community was hit by natural disaster, as farmlands and homes caved into an erosion site created by downpour.

Property owners at Chief Nwangaga Street blamed the disaster on improper channeling of flood, which run off from the adjoining major roads into the neighbourhood.

Residents who spoke to newsmen said they had made efforts, individually and collectively, but the situation has overpowered them and was now threatening to consume the entire community.

According to them, they had also informed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Enyinnaya Senator Abaribe, Ossy Prestige and Abraham Oba, all representing them at various levels of governance, but lamented that no help has come their way.

Elder Nnanna Ubani Okiyi, a retired civil servant, whose house is at the point of being swept into the gully, said his life is being cut short daily due to fear of the unknown.

He explained that his life’s efforts were being swept into the gully and called on the authorities to come to his rescue.

Commissioner for information, Chief John Okiyi, however, advised residents to officially inform Commissioner for Environment and copy his office and NEWMAP programme manager in the state.