Ebonyi Governor David Umahi has described the Saturday night/Sunday morning flood disaster in the state as horrendous and directed that all structures blocking water channels be pulled down and drains be properly cleared.

The Governor was speaking on Sunday when he visited some of the affected areas. The heavy downpour wreaked havoc on Abakaliki, the state capital. Many residents, especially those living close to water channels were sacked from their homes following the rain which lasted close to six hours. While some homes were heavily flooded, many had the roofs of their abode blown off by the storm that came with the rain.

Governor Umahi directed the state Emergency Management Agency to compile a list of the victims and send same to him before midnight as he sympathised with the victims.

Inspecting the damage on Udensi Street, Governor Umahi advised the management of the Gospel Life Church to relocate to another place, saying he would pay their rent for one year.

One of the victims, John Uguru, said his family would have been wiped out by the flood but for the intervention of his neighbours who woke him up.

He said: “We were in deep sleep when we were alerted of the flood. Before we could wake up, everywhere had been submerged.

“In fact, I had to start taking my children out of the compound. Our mattresses were soaked.

“You can see that our livelihood has been destroyed by flood. We want government to assist us because the damage is enormous.”

The latest downpour and flooding is the second in one month in the state. The first affected five villages in Ivo Local Government Area.

•EBSG Photo shows Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State (in eye glasses); and some of his aides while inspecting a scene of flood disaster in Abakaliki . . . on Sunday.