PHOTO ESSAY: Deluge and soil erosion ravage pair of classroom buildings at Anambra educational institution

Severe flooding and erosion triggered by persistent rainfall have caused the collapse of two classroom blocks at Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School in Awka, Anambra State, although fortunately, no casualties were recorded as the incident occurred after school hours.

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Furthermore, four additional classroom blocks and the staff room are at risk of collapse if immediate action is not taken, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of students and staff.

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The collapse of the classroom blocks has disrupted academic activities, leading to the withdrawal of several students due to safety concerns, while those who remain, along with teachers, continue to face the threat posed by the weakened structures.

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Students and school authorities have made a plea to the Anambra State Government and relevant agencies for immediate assistance to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of lives and property.

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This call for help was made during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the school on Thursday by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency, who were tasked with evaluating the situation.

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During the visit, the school's Principal, Mrs Eucharia Ogbunyi, the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Chief Igwedimma Muologwu, and the Senior Prefect, Master Uchechukwu Obi, expressed deep concern over the worsening erosion and flooding situation, attributing the problem to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

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According to them, "We are facing erosion challenges in the area and it is now worsening due to persistent rainfall, which has already pulled down two classroom blocks, while four other classroom blocks and the staff room are now under serious threat of collapse."

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They also stated that the situation has forced several students to withdraw from the school, while those who remain, alongside teachers, face constant danger from the threatened buildings, which could collapse at any moment, although they noted that no casualty was recorded in the collapse and all students are in perfect condition.

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The school had previously faced security challenges, including attacks by cultists, before security measures were put in place, highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution to the erosion and flooding problems.

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A construction engineer, Alex Chukwunwike, who accompanied the assessment team, proposed a comprehensive erosion-control project involving drainage construction, concrete works, and landscaping to tackle the flooding menace.

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The proposed project would channel floodwater away from the school and direct it to the Obibia Stream, located about 1.25 kilometres from the site, providing a potential solution to the flooding problem.

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In response, the Acting Managing Director of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency, Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, assured the school community that the agency would submit its assessment report to the appropriate authorities to facilitate urgent government intervention.

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Nwasinoke stated that this move would help address the erosion threat and protect lives and infrastructure within the school, providing a sense of relief to the affected community.

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When contacted, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Ekene Ogugua, said he would obtain further details from the assessment team to enable the government to work out modalities for immediate intervention.

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Dr Ogugua also revealed that plans are underway to commence the construction of an ultra-modern classroom block while also addressing the erosion challenge affecting the school, highlighting the government's commitment to finding a solution.

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Anambra State remains one of the states most affected by gully erosion in Nigeria, with several communities and public institutions facing threats from land degradation, flooding, and poor drainage systems.

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Over the years, erosion has destroyed homes, roads, schools, and farmlands across parts of the state, prompting repeated interventions by the state government and development partners, who have been working to mitigate the effects of erosion.