Abia Residents Recount Ordeals as Flood Disrupts Schools, Businesses in Abia

Residents of Umuahia, Abia State, have recounted their experiences following a heavy downpour that triggered flooding in parts of the city on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, disrupting school activities, businesses and transportation and damaging property.

The rainfall, which began in the morning and continued for several hours, affected parts of Ihie Ndume and other areas, with the vicinity of the University Demonstration School (UDS) and Wellspring Preparatory School among the locations negatively impacted.

At UDS, floodwater entered the school premises, forcing the management to contact parents to take their children home as a safety measure.

A member of staff said it was the first time the school had experienced flooding of such magnitude, adding that school materials, uniforms, books, sportswear and office documents were damaged.

According to the staff member, the flooding was worsened by the collapse of a structure serving as a boundary between the school and a neighbouring building.

No death or injury was reported, while students and staff were said to have left the school safely.

The flooding also affected residents, traders and other businesses in the area, with some shops forced to close temporarily as floodwater entered their premises.

Prominent among those affected was legal practitioner, Okey Amaechi, SAN, whose downstairs sitting room was reportedly submerged. Footage obtained by our reporters showed helpers working to contain the floodwater and prevent further damage to the property.

The flooding also disrupted transportation around Wellspring, along Ehimiri. Two tricycles, popularly known as keke, were reportedly forced to stop abruptly as the floodwater became too strong to navigate. The drivers and passengers were seen scrambling to safety.

Traders in the affected areas also recounted their losses. A fish trader expressed concern over the damage to her goods, while other traders reported destruction of merchandise and disruption of business activities.

At Wellspring Preparatory School, water marks were visible on some walls and fences, while floodwater was also observed within parts of the premises. The school appeared to have suffered less damage than some of the surrounding businesses.

Living Faith Church (AKA Winners Chapel), Ihie Ndume was not left behind as cars parked inside the church premises were submerged by the flooding.

A resident, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie, who spoke with our reporters, thanked God that no life was lost in the incident but called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities.

She urged governments at all levels, particularly the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to take proactive measures to address the recurring flooding risks and prevent future incidents from resulting in casualties.

Residents and business owners similarly called for improved drainage infrastructure, regular maintenance of waterways and proper waste disposal to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.

A resident also appealed to the government, particularly the Ministry of Works, to expedite the reconstruction of the affected portion of Ikot-Ekpene Road, which the resident identified as contributing to the flooding challenges in the area.

The incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of schools, homes, businesses and road users to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents urged relevant authorities to strengthen flood-management measures, improve drainage systems and provide timely interventions to protect lives and property from future flooding.

When our reporters visited the schools, staff members available declined to comment, while efforts to reach the school authorities were unsuccessful, as those present said they were unaware of their whereabouts.

By Ikechukwu Chinaza, Smart Chidimma, Onyemauche Chinenye, Obigbo Chinyere, Sunday Grace and Opara Chimaobi

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