By John Goodness Nkeiruka.
For the people of Umudagu, a community in Orji Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, the rainy season is a time of fear and uncertainty.
Erosion has taken a toll on the roads leading to the village and the farms surrounding it, cutting off the residents from their neighbours and their livelihoods.
In a recent community meeting led by the village head, plans to dig gutters to divert flood water away from the village were discussed.
The community head stated that the work is urgent, as the upcoming rainy season could spell disaster for the entire community.
The proposed gutter is seen as a last resort for the village, as previous attempts to mitigate the erosion failed.
Last year, homes and farmlands were damaged by flood, with families left devastated.
The community is hoping for government intervention as they might not be able to pool the resources needed for the gutter project.
“We are running out of time, we need help before it’s too late”, a resident said.
The community is presently counting loses beyond the physical damages as the isolation caused by the erosion is causing untold economic hardship on residents who struggle to reach their farms, markets and other facilities.
