A 12-year-old girl identified as Ella from Ohafia, Abia State, has reportedly been swept away by floodwater in Agbama, Umuahia, after she was sent on an errand during heavy rainfall.
According to the report, Ella had been sent by her madam to purchase an item despite the downpour. She reportedly left with an umbrella and successfully bought what she was asked to get.
Tragedy reportedly struck while she was returning home.
It was gathered that Ella’s feet slipped as she made her way through the area, causing her to fall into a gutter filled with rushing floodwater.
The strong current reportedly swept the girl away before she could be rescued.
Concerned residents were said to have begun searching for Ella from around 7 p.m., hoping to locate her alive or recover her body.
By 10:56 p.m., the search was reportedly still ongoing, with residents and youths mobilising to different areas in an attempt to find the missing girl.
A group of youths was reportedly organised to continue the search, with efforts extending toward an area known as Umuafai.
The report further stated that concerned residents later located Ella’s madam and confronted her over the circumstances surrounding the girl being sent out during the heavy rainfall.
A video accompanying the report reportedly captured part of the confrontation between residents and the woman.
However, at the time of the report, Ella had reportedly not been found.
The circumstances have raised concerns about the dangers posed by flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly for children who may be exposed to fast-moving floodwater and uncovered drainage channels.
Floodwater can become extremely dangerous within a short period, especially around gutters and drainage systems where rushing water can conceal deep channels and create strong currents.
For now, the search for Ella reportedly remains ongoing, with residents hoping that she can still be found.
The report has also drawn attention to the need for greater caution during heavy rainfall, particularly when children are sent outside in areas experiencing flooding.
Ella’s whereabouts remain unknown based on the information available in the report.
