The people of Udaba in Edo State are currently battling with how to rebury the deads that were washed out of their resting places by devastating flooding.
According to PM News, the flood, which has wreaked havoc across multiple communities, has left many in fear and distress.
Joseph Odemokpai, the Councillor representing Ward 8 in Etsako Central Local Government Area, confirmed the extent of the crisis, said the impact is not limited to Udaba; other communities, including Anegbete, Ekperi, Osomhegbe, Ogoimeri, Iyowa, Ofukpu, Ifekhu, Agenebode, Ubiaja, and Ilushi, all within Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East local government areas, are also severely affected,
He said, “In Udaba, some dead bodies have been washed away from the grave by the flood.”
In addition to the alarming displacement of corpses, the severe cold brought on by the flooding has claimed several lives.
Stating the distressing reality faced by locals, he added, “Some persons have even died as a result of the severe cold due to the flood.
“Houses, farmlands, and crops—such as cassava, rice, and yam—have been submerged, with farm produce, livestock, and personal property swept away by the devastating flood.”
He said the flood situation remains critical, with water levels still high in the affected communities.
He said, “Entire areas are overwhelmed by floodwaters, and efforts are underway to relocate residents to safety camps.
“Similar flooding has been reported in Ward 9 and Ward 10, affecting communities including Anegbete, Udochi, Ogomere, and Ifekhu, as well as Ofukpo, among others across the impacted local government areas.”
Odemokpai added that while the local government councils are currently taking action, he urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) to assist these communities.
