By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar
A one-year-old girl has died after floodwaters triggered by a heavy downpour swept into her family’s apartment in Calabar, Cross River State.
The rain, which began at about 2 a.m. on Thursday, inundated homes along Mayne Avenue, off Atu Street, in Calabar South Local Government Area, leaving residents counting their losses.
According to residents, the child and her parents were asleep when floodwaters entered their home, submerging the room before they could respond.
An eyewitness, Victoria Otu, said the water had risen to neck level by the time the parents realised the danger, making it impossible to save the child.
Otu said she also suffered significant losses, including her academic results, other important documents, clothing and household items, all of which were washed away by the flood.
Another resident and businessman, Emmanuel Effiong, said he lost more than 2,000 empty crates, describing the incident as a major setback to his business.
Several other residents reported losing certificates, textbooks, food items and other personal belongings.
The flood also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with collapsed drainage channels and walls reported in parts of the community. Sections of roads were washed away, leaving deep cracks and uneven surfaces that now pose risks to motorists and pedestrians.
Residents have appealed to the Cross River State Government and the Calabar South Local Government Council to urgently rehabilitate damaged drainage systems and roads to prevent further loss of lives and property during future heavy rainfall.
