Some local government areas in Rivers State have experienced an unprecedented flood due to heavy rainfall that started on Sunday and continued till Tuesday evening. The state capital, Port Harcourt, has been hardest damaged.
Many residents reportedly lost belongings when the heavy waters tore through residential houses, shops, and business places.
Join our WhatsApp group
In light of this development, the Bayelsa State government has made a request to the federal government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the NDDC, and development partners to assist the state in addressing the issues of coastal erosion and floods.
It was gathered that Choba, Mgbuogba, Aluu, Rumosi, Rumokoro, Emohua, Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Ogoni axis, Oyigbo, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni are among the other regions that were severely affected by the disaster.
Victims affected by the rains in these areas expressed their sadness over the incident stating that a lot of them could no longer access their work and business places.
Further findings into the cause of the incident revealed that water canals in areas like Rumokoro, Okija, and the Obiri-Ikwere axis were found to be blocked. Additionally, no efforts were made to raise awareness of the possible flooding throughout the state.
Drainage systems were not cleared, and flood committees were not established. To date, no substantial and proactive measures have been implemented to lessen the effects of the water.
In addition to highlighting Rivers State as one of the high-risk regions for possible floods, the Nigeria Metrological Agency(NIMET) issued a warning about severe flooding this year and emphasised the growing climate crisis.
In a statement, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the only administrator, urged victims to leave the impacted areas and move to safer locations until the flooding stops.
“Residents should clear drainages and avoid dumping waste in waterways. Relocate to safer grounds if residing in flood-prone areas. Cooperate with emergency response teams and heed official advisories. Report illegal land reclamation or other environmental violations to the appropriate authorities,” he stated.
Similarly, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor, made the plea yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting with Yenagoa authorities, including chairmen of local governments and the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control.
Join our WhatsApp group
According to Ewhrudjakpo, the state is suffering from severe environmental harm, particularly in coastal villages, and lacks the funding necessary to carry out extensive shoreline preservation initiatives.
Ewhrudjakpo highlighted the contributions of the NDDC in executing projects across the state, but called for stronger collaboration on long-term solutions, however he called for more support.
He said: “Bayelsa is widely affected by flooding every year. We’ve become so accustomed to it that we no longer raise alarms like other states.
“Several of our communities along the Atlantic Ocean are being eroded yearly. Our appeal is for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and the NDDC.
“We understand that there are competing priorities across the country. However, our situation is unique, and support is urgently needed to mitigate the damage.”
