From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, WARRI
Victims of the recent flash flood that ravaged parts of Ute-Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State have cried out for urgent assistance from government.
The disaster, which struck on July 8, left many residents, especially in Ibiegwa Quarters, homeless and stranded.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr Simon Aliemeke, now taking refuge in a friend’s house, described the flood as a life-shattering experience that left him and his family with nothing but shock and despair.
According to Aliemeke, “Life has visited me and my family with a devastating blow that I am yet to comprehend.
“Live has taken a dangerous fate on me, my family and other victims of the incident.”
Recounting how the flood this year was far more destructive than previous years, defying every effort they made to protect their homes, he said “this is not the first time we are experiencing flood. But this year’s own is quite different from previous years. This one was very heavy and it defied every genuine effort we made to contain its effect.
“As if I knew that this year’s flood would be devastating, I took a deliberate step to build a fence round my compound as you can see, but the force with which the flood came was much. The fence could not resist the fiery flood as it was brought down within minutes and water flowed directly into my house.”
He recalled how neighbours risked their lives to rescue his wife and children while he was away trying to earn a living.
He attributed the worsening flood to poor drainage planning, noting that recent road construction in the area had worsened the flow of water.
Aliemeke expressed heartfelt appreciation to those who rescued them during the flood and to others who have shown them support since the disaster. He remained hopeful that more help would come from government and kind-hearted citizens within and beyond Ute-Okpu.
