Flooding has hit parts of Rivers State, disrupting business and daily activities, with residents in affected communities reporting blocked access, suspended businesses and growing sanitation concerns as the state government launches an emergency response.
The Rivers State Government on Thursday visited some flood ravaged communities in Port Harcourt and promised immediate succor to victims as officials moved to probe drainage and canal challenges said to be worsening the situation.
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu led members of the state Flood Management and Control Committee to Lord Emmanuel Close and Jerusalem Estate where the residents showed the officials round the places where the flooding took place.
Inspectors were told that residents of the Jerusalem Estate were diverting water through a drainage system that was not properly channeled. Officials also expressed concerns about efforts to recover part of an existing canal at Lord Emmanuel Close.
Odu said the findings would be sent to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the government would work with the Ministry of Works, residents and community leaders to address the challenges.
She said that identified affected families would be given immediate palliative support while the government works out long-term measures.
The impact is already being felt more directly in Igbo-Etche where, according to reports, floodwaters have cut off residents of the Rivers State Housing Estate from surrounding areas.
Workers have been unable to get to their jobs, schools have also been affected, and business activities in the estate have been disrupted.
There are reports that some vehicles have been submerged, making it difficult for residents to move in and out of the estate.The residents are also concerned about the health impact of the flooding.
Reptiles had come out of the floodwater and some septic tanks had overflowed, raising fears of contamination and possible disease outbreaks, said Oputuboye Braide, chairman of the landlords’ association.
People demanded the government to take immediate steps, including measures to improve drainage and access to affected communities.
The latest developments have underlined the broader economic fallout from flooding in parts of Rivers, where damage to roads and drainage can swiftly affect businesses, workers and access to vital services.
The immediate priorities for residents in the affected communities are restoring access, protecting homes and businesses and preventing the worsening sanitation conditions, as the government begins its response.
