A 9-year old girl, Benedict Uzo, an indigene of Amiyi in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday lost her life in the ravaging flood that has continued to wreak havoc in the riverine areas of the state.

News Express gathered that Uzo lost her life while she was fetching water, but was overpowered by the flood.

According to the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Mr. Arinze Awogu, the deceased's elder sister tried to rescue her sister from drowning and was almost drowning until the neighbours came to her rescue.

He regretted that the flood situation in Ogbaru area has continued to take a turn for the worse, adding that two lives had already been lost.

He said: “The latest casualty is this nine-year-old Benedict Uzo Onyebuchukwu, a primary 3 pupil of Light International School, Okoti.

“Benedict’s 11-year-old elder sister, who tried to rescue her, almost lost her life too, but was quickly rescued by neighbours. Her sister drowned on Wednesday while fetching water with a bucket.

“The father of the victim, Mr. Izuchukwu Uzo, told me that his daughter was swept away by the flood as she attempted to fetch water with her bucket.

“We need a better-equipped hospital to manage this emergency. It is a sad moment for us.”

The LG Chairman assured the family of the council’s solidarity and support, saying that he will inform the state governor, Willie Obiano of the mishap.

While noting that the council would set up an emergency channel, he called for a proactive response team to effectively handle emergencies.

He also urged people living in flood-prone areas of the state to vacate their homes and move to safer areas or the Internally Displaced Persons camps.

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