Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in parts of Rivers State, submerging roads, homes, schools, business premises, churches, and farmlands in several communities. Investigations by The Nation reporters in parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas showed that many roads and residential areas had been inundated, leaving residents, motorists, and pedestrians struggling to navigate the affected communities.
The flooding has affected various areas, including Odili Road in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, where floodwaters covered drainage channels and parts of the road, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to identify safe routes to adjoining streets and residential areas. Similarly, Army Range, Rumuachorlu, and Avuha Estate in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, have been severely affected, with roads, streets, homes, farmlands, and business premises submerged.
In Rumuowha, also in Eneka, about 10 occupied estates were reportedly affected by floodwaters. Residents of the affected areas have expressed concern over the situation, with some attributing the flooding to the heavy rainfall and describing it as a natural disaster similar to the experience in 2012. Others, however, blame human activities and poor drainage infrastructure for the flooding.
Residents of Rumuowha have accused Julius Berger (JB) of worsening the situation through the drainage arrangement associated with the construction of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara Ring Road project. They alleged that the construction company built a drainage channel that directed floodwater from surrounding areas into their residential community and failed to rechannel the water as promised.
The state has recorded persistent rainfall since September 16, with some residents describing the current downpour as the annual period of heavy rains associated with the end of the rainy season. Mr. Anthony Ufoha, a resident of Avuha Estate, whose compound was submerged, said the flood had not yet entered his house, but he was concerned about the situation.
Ufoha explained that the area was low-lying and lacked adequate drainage infrastructure, which contributed to the flooding. He appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chima Worlu, to intervene and help alleviate the suffering of residents.
The flooding has also affected farmlands and food crops in parts of the state, with residents reporting increased sightings of reptiles, particularly snakes, and other animals such as toads in homes and business premises. Residents are counting their losses and calling on the relevant authorities to take urgent action to address the situation.
Key points
- The flooding in Rivers State has submerged roads, homes, and farmlands, affecting several communities.
- Residents have attributed the flooding to both natural and human-induced causes, including poor drainage infrastructure.
- The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and local government authorities have been called upon to intervene and provide assistance to affected residents.
