The recent flood in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, has severely impacted several communities, including Nigerian Air Force Harmony Estate New GRA, Peter Odili Road, Eneka, Rukpokwu, and Alakahia. Other affected areas include Oyigbo, Atali, Mgbuoba, Rumuoparali, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Cornerstone, and Iwofe. The flood has caused widespread disruption, with many residents struggling to access basic necessities.
Several churches in the affected areas were forced to hold their Sunday services in abandoned buildings and open fields due to the flood. A leader in one of the new generation churches in Rukpokwu community, who wished to remain anonymous, said the church had to hire canopies and chairs to hold services in an uncompleted building. This was a necessary measure to ensure that worshippers could still gather for services despite the flood.
The flood has also caused significant financial losses for churches that had planned special programs over the weekend. A member of a pentecostal church, Brother Israel, said his church had to cancel its planned program after spending thousands of Naira on preparations. The church building in Oyigbo was inundated with floodwaters, making it impossible to hold the program as planned.
In response to the flooding, the Rivers State government has begun desilting major canals and drainages in the state. The state Ministries of Works and Environment are currently working to clear blocked waterways and improve water flow using swamp-buggy equipment. This effort aims to mitigate the impact of the flood and prevent future occurrences.
The state deputy governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, visited the Palace of the traditional ruler of Eneka, Professor Rowland Woko, to deliver relief materials to flood-affected residents. She disclosed that the state government was addressing the environmental causes of flooding, including blocked drains and canals, broken culverts, and structures erected on waterways. The government is working to provide immediate relief to affected communities.
Professor Odu, who is also chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had directed the committee to provide direct assistance to communities that suffered the worst impact of the recent flooding. The government is distributing food, non-food items, and medicines to affected residents. Additionally, the state government will enroll affected residents in the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), providing free medical treatment for one year.
The flooding has become particularly severe in the past week, with residents constructing makeshift wooden bridges and using canoes to move around their communities. The state government's efforts to provide relief and address the environmental causes of flooding are ongoing. The situation remains challenging for residents, but the government's response aims to alleviate the suffering and prevent future occurrences.
Key points
- The Rivers State government has begun desilting major canals and drainages to tackle the current flooding.
- Churches in affected areas were forced to hold services in abandoned buildings and open fields.
- Affected residents will be enrolled in the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) for free medical treatment.
