Severe Flooding Leads to Classroom Collapse in Anambra State School
Two classroom blocks at Eji Awka Community Secondary School in Awka, Anambra State, have collapsed due to severe flooding and erosion exacerbated by relentless rainfall in the area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the buildings collapsed after school hours. However, four additional classroom blocks and staff rooms are at imminent risk of collapse without urgent intervention.
The structural failures have disrupted academic activities, prompting some students to leave the school over safety concerns. Those who remain, along with their teachers, are continuously facing the dangers posed by the compromised buildings.
In response to the crisis, students and school authorities have urgently appealed to the Anambra State government and relevant agencies for immediate assistance. This appeal was articulated during an on-site visit by officials from the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Authority.
During the visit, school officials including Principal Ms. Eukaria Ogbuni, School Management Committee Chairman Chief Igwedinma Muorogwu, and Senior Principal Uchechukwu Obi voiced their deep concerns regarding the escalating erosion and flooding situation in the area.
They attributed the mounting challenges to inadequate urban planning and insufficient drainage infrastructure. The officials stated that continuous erosion has already compromised two classroom blocks, while four others are also at serious risk of collapse.
They noted, “While no students were harmed during the collapse, the remaining students and staff endure ongoing threats from the unstable environment. Prior to implementing safety measures, the deteriorating conditions also exposed the school to security risks, including potential attacks.”
Construction engineer Alex Chukungwike, part of the evaluation team, proposed a comprehensive erosion control plan that includes drainage improvements, concrete work, and landscaping aimed at managing flood risks effectively. The initiative is designed to redirect floodwaters into the Obibia River, situated approximately 1.25 kilometers away from the school.
Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, Acting Managing Director of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Authority, assured the school community that an assessment report will be submitted to the appropriate authorities to prompt immediate government action. He emphasized that these measures are essential to combat erosion threats and protect both lives and infrastructure within the school.
Meanwhile, Dr. Eken Ogugua, the State Commissioner for Education, indicated that further details will be gathered from the evaluation team to facilitate rapid intervention by the government. He also mentioned upcoming plans to construct an ultra-modern classroom building while simultaneously addressing the erosion challenges affecting the school.
Anambra State is significantly impacted by gully erosion, placing numerous communities and public institutions at risk from land degradation, flooding, and subpar drainage systems. Years of erosion have devastated homes, roads, schools, and agricultural land in the region, prompting ongoing efforts from both the state government and developmental partners to intervene.
