A two-day heavy downpour has caused widespread flooding in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Nigeria. The rainfall, which lasted over eight hours on Sunday night and continued into Monday, resulted in the submersion of several houses, churches, schools, eateries, and bars. The affected areas include the Methodist Church, Owner Occupier Estate, George Akume way, New GRA, Radio Benue, Nyiman layout, Idye, and Naka road areas.
The flood also affected other areas, including Achusa, North Bank area, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum, Wadata, and Behind Customary Court. Several goods and foodstuff were damaged in the affected areas. Residents reported that residential buildings and eatery joints located around areas undergoing constructions and near riverbanks were worst hit, with floodwaters taking over their streets and homes.
Motorists experienced heavy traffic along Otukpo Road due to the flooding, with some adjoining streets, particularly around Nze Oil, becoming impassable. Residents called on the state and federal government to hasten the ongoing construction of roads and drainages, citing the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate the effects of flooding during the rainy season.
Residents also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for addressing the issue of perennial flooding by constructing new roads and drainages in some areas. However, they urged him to immediately open some new streets and channels blocked by construction companies to allow for easy water flow. The indiscriminate closure of these roads and streets was seen as a contributing factor to the flooding.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, confirmed that the agency had received information about the flooding in some areas. Iorpuu, speaking through the Information Officer, Tena Ager, stated that SEMA had received a report of flooding in the Achusa area but had not yet conducted an assessment.
The flooding has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Makurdi. Residents and stakeholders are calling for urgent action to mitigate the effects of flooding and ensure the safety of lives and property. The incident has also underscored the importance of effective urban planning and drainage systems in preventing such disasters.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are working to clean up and recover from the flood damage. The government and emergency management agencies are expected to provide support and assistance to affected communities. The flooding in Makurdi serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to address the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and flooding in Nigeria.
Key points
- Several houses and buildings were submerged by floods in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, following a two-day heavy downpour.
- Residents are calling on the government to hasten the construction of roads and drainages to mitigate the effects of flooding.
- The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has received reports of flooding in some areas and is expected to conduct assessments and provide support to affected communities.
