The Rivers State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to residents affected by flooding in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
The State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, announced the intervention on Friday, September 18, 2026, during the presentation of relief items at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.
Odu said the intervention was being implemented in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP).
She disclosed that vulnerable flood victims, including children, pregnant women and elderly persons, would be identified and enrolled in RIVCHPP to receive free treatment at designated health facilities.
The Deputy Governor also appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains and waterways, stressing that blocked drainage channels contribute to flooding. She similarly urged developers to avoid obstructing waterways with buildings and other structures.
Odu commended the Port Harcourt City council leadership for clearing drains and waterways to improve the flow of floodwater.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said Community Secondary School, Rumuopara, was among institutions affected by the flooding, adding that the government was assessing the situation to determine appropriate solutions.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City LGA, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the relief intervention, saying several communities had suffered property damage and displacement.
In Obio/Akpor, Odu, represented by the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi S. I. Brown, said the Governor had directed the Ministry of Environment to investigate the causes of the recurring flooding and develop sustainable solutions.
The government also reiterated its plan to extend RIVCHPP coverage to affected residents as part of its response to the disaster.
