A couple’s dream wedding turned into a nightmare on Saturday when devastating floods swept through their chosen venue in Owerri, Imo State, just hours before their planned ceremony. The flood, caused by heavy rainfall in the region, completely destroyed the venue, leaving the bride and groom, as well as their families and guests, devastated.
The couple, identified as Chinedu and Ngozi Okeke, had spent months preparing for their big day. The venue, a popular event hall in the heart of Owerri, had been decorated and set up for the wedding ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. However, torrential rains that began the previous night caused the nearby river to overflow, inundating the entire area by the early hours of the morning.
Reports from witnesses say the floodwaters quickly breached the event hall, submerging the building and damaging tables, chairs, decorations, and equipment. The bride and groom arrived at the venue early to finalize preparations, only to find the venue in ruins. The heavy downpour left the couple in shock, as their much-anticipated celebration was wiped out in a matter of hours.
One of the guests, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” stating, “We arrived in the morning to find the venue completely flooded. The water had reached almost the roof of the hall, and all the decorations were destroyed. It was so sad to see the couple, who had been so excited, standing there helpless.”
The bride, Ngozi Okeke, who had been eagerly preparing for her wedding day, fought back tears as she described the emotional toll the incident took on her. “We had so many hopes for this day. My family and friends had travelled long distances to be here, and now everything is gone. I can’t believe this is happening,” she said, visibly distraught.
Chinedu Okeke, the groom, also expressed his heartbreak, saying, “We had put in so much effort to make this day special. It’s painful, but we are grateful that no one was hurt. It’s just a devastating loss, but we will find a way to move forward.”
Local authorities and emergency services responded quickly to the disaster, helping the couple and their guests evacuate the flooded area. No injuries have been reported, but several properties in the vicinity were also affected by the flood. Rescue teams have been deployed to assess the damage and assist those affected.
The couple has been offered temporary accommodations and support by family and friends, as they try to come to terms with the loss of their wedding venue. Many have expressed their sympathy and support, offering to help the couple reschedule the event or provide alternative arrangements.
The flooding in Imo State is not an isolated incident, as the region has experienced heavy rainfall and flooding in recent weeks due to climate change and poor drainage systems. Local authorities are now under pressure to address the rising incidence of flooding, which has been affecting both rural and urban areas in the state.
Despite the heartbreaking setback, Chinedu and Ngozi Okeke have vowed to continue their celebration, promising to find a new date for their wedding. “This is not the end. We will get through this together and make new memories,” the bride said.
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