By Atlantic Reports

The Senate has called for urgent Federal Government intervention in communities affected by flooding and gully erosion across Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and other states, following reports of deaths, displacement and destruction of homes and farmland.

Lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to supply food, medical materials and other essential assistance, while asking relevant ministries to assess damaged roads, restore access and undertake flood and erosion control.

The resolutions followed motions and contributions from Senators Victor Umeh, Anthony Ani and Osita Izunaso on conditions in their constituencies.

Deaths and Displacement Reported in Anambra

Umeh, representing Anambra Central, said Ogidi, Obosi and Oko were experiencing severe environmental and humanitarian difficulties.

He attributed recurring flooding and erosion to heavy rainfall, saying homes, agricultural land and infrastructure had been destroyed, disrupting livelihoods and economic activity.

At least four people, including a pregnant woman and a six-year-old child, reportedly died, according to the senator. Several families were also displaced.

Umeh warned that expanding gullies threatened residential areas and transport infrastructure, including sections of the Onitsha-Owerri expressway.

The casualty figure remains attributed to his account. The supplied material did not specify the dates of the incidents or provide a consolidated assessment of affected households.

Agricultural Losses in Ebonyi

Ani, representing Ebonyi South, said flooding had damaged homes and household property and destroyed crops and livestock.

He called for humanitarian assistance and urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assess losses and provide emergency support.

For farming households, the damage extends beyond immediate shelter needs to lost food supplies and income. The account did not quantify the farmland affected or the value of agricultural losses.

Imo Senator Calls for Lasting Rehabilitation

Izunaso said flooding and erosion continued to threaten communities in Imo West, noting that he had raised the issue in a Senate motion in 2023.

He described damage to homes, businesses, farmland and roads, alongside dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

He urged NEMA, other relevant agencies and the Imo State Government to provide relief, undertake drainage works and rehabilitate roads.

Izunaso also sought a coordinated, long-term programme of rehabilitation and ecological restoration. The account did not explain what action followed his earlier motion.

Committees Given One-Month Reporting Deadline

Adopting the proposals, the Senate directed relevant ministries and agencies to assess affected communities and undertake emergency and longer-term interventions.

It also sought ecological assistance for affected areas in Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and other states requiring support.

Senate committees responsible for environment, works, ecology and climate change, alongside other relevant committees, were mandated to conduct on-site assessments and report back within one month.

Lawmakers subsequently observed a minute’s silence for those who died.

The resolutions establish demands for action, rather than confirmation that relief or rehabilitation has begun. The supplied account did not announce funding amounts or delivery dates.

For displaced residents, the immediate priorities are assistance and safe access to their communities. The committee assessments will need to establish the scale of damage, responsible agencies and practical timelines for reducing the risks of further loss.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.