Torrential Rain Wreaks Havoc in Awka: Two Buildings Collapse, Four Electricity Poles Topple

Two buildings have collapsed and four electricity poles have fallen in separate incidents following torrential rainfall in Awka, Anambra State, raising fresh concerns over gully erosion, flooding and public safety.

The buildings collapsed at Umudioka, near Agu-Oye, while the four electricity poles fell around Aroma, close to the Old Government House in Awka.

An ABS News crew that visited the affected locations observed that the buildings at Umudioka were brought down after a nearby gully erosion site caved into the structures. At Aroma, officials of First Power were seen disconnecting high-tension wires connected to the fallen electricity poles.

Family Appeals for Government Intervention

Speaking on the incident, Lady Okwudilichukwu Nweke, a member of the family that owns one of the collapsed buildings, said the structure gave way suddenly during the rainfall.

According to her, improper water channeling in the area had contributed to the development of the gully, which eventually caused the collapse.

“It happened suddenly during the rainfall. The improper channeling of water in the area eventually developed into a gully and caused the collapse,” Nweke said.

She confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident but appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene, saying the family had been left homeless.

Nweke added that floodwaters swept away a significant portion of the family’s belongings, leaving them uncertain about how to rebuild their lives.

“We are now homeless and do not know where to start. We appeal to the state government to come to our aid,” she said.

ACTDA Boss Blames Age-Long Erosion

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr Ossy Onuko, attributed the building collapse to an age-long gully erosion site that had gradually encroached on residential buildings in the area.

Onuko assured residents that the state government would take necessary steps to address the erosion and prevent further destruction.

“The collapse was caused by an age-long gully erosion site which has gradually caved into houses in the area. The state government will do the needful to tackle the erosion site and prevent further damage,” he said.

The ACTDA managing director disclosed that several erosion sites across Anambra State require urgent intervention.

He called for collaborative efforts involving individuals, community groups and the state government to combat the growing erosion challenge, warning that the state continues to lose valuable land to erosion.

Residents Urged to Prevent Flooding

Onuko also advised residents to avoid practices that could worsen flooding and erosion, stressing the importance of responsible environmental management and proper water drainage.

The incidents highlight the need for sustained intervention in erosion-prone communities and improved drainage infrastructure to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on lives and property.

#