Ofumelu Requests Urgent Intervention, Food, Drugs, and Other Relief Materials for Flood Victims in Ayamelum Communities.

By: Ekene Onuorah.

The member representing Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Vincent Ekene Ofumelu ESQ, has sought the intervention of the National Assembly and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to quickly intervene in the flood devastation in his federal constituency and to provide relief materials to the flood victims.

The lawmaker in the letters addressed to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development and the Motion sent to the Speaker of the House of the Representatives on October 6, 2022, and made available to the media, said more than two thousand houses and farmlands worth billions of Naira were destroyed by the devastating flood that has submerged most parts of the Federal Constituency.
 
"The recurrent and heavy downpour in this area leads to an upsurge of both the Anambra and Ezu river banks, causing excessive flood and erosion that has destroyed houses, properties, and farmlands in the communities of Omor, Ifitte-Ogwari, Igbakwu, Anaku, Umueje, and Umerum in the Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State."

The effect of which has forced several families out of their homes, losing uncountable properties, including agricultural produce, to the flood. The majority of their homes have been taken over by aquatic animals since the flood has lasted for more than three weeks now.
 
"This situation has left the victims vulnerable to the attacks of these animals and the risk of a possible outbreak of an epidemic as a result of the polluted environment."
 
The lawmaker who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Humanitarian Affairs also urged the House of Representatives to do as follows:
 
1. Request that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provide relief materials and medications to affected victims as soon as possible.
 
2. Request that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development provides the victims with the necessary assistance as soon as possible.
 
3. Urge the Ecological Fund Office to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and environmental survey of the affected areas for proper documentation in proffering a lasting solution.
 
4. Mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Women's Affairs and Social Development, and Ecological Fund to ensure compliance.

Hon. Vincent Ekene Ofumelu, who is most disturbed over the plight of his people and the destruction the recent flood has caused, has equally moved to deploy flying boats in most areas of the affected communities to rescue victims and has also appealed to the state and other major stakeholders to assist in sending succor to the flood victims.