Torrential rainfall that began at the weekend and continued until Monday evening, accompanied by severe flooding, has wreaked havoc in many parts of Port Harcourt and other Local Government Areas in Rivers State.

Some residents and business owners had their properties damaged or destroyed by floods, while several residents lost valuable possessions.

Areas affected by the flood include Mile One, Mile Three, Diobu axis, D/Line, Agip, Chinda, Rumolumeni, Rumola, Rukpokwu, Rumuekini in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the State.

Other heavily affected areas include Choba, Mgbuogba, Aluu, Rumosi, Rumokoro, Emohua, Ahoada West, Ahoada East, the Ogoni axis, Oyigbo, and Onelga, among others.

People were displaced from their homes as the flood submerged some houses and worship centres, and many farmlands were also inundated, forcing people to harvest early.

Observations have shown that the waterways, including those at Rumokoro, Okija, and Obiri-Ikwere, have not yet been cleared. There was also a lack of awareness campaigns about potential flooding across the State; flood committees were not established, and drainage had not been cleared. No significant or proactive measures have been taken so far to mitigate the flood impacts.

Tragically, this is happening about five months after the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) issued a warning of severe flooding this year, highlighting Rivers State as one of the high-risk areas and emphasising the challenges posed by climate change.

Already, some deaths have been recorded due to heavy flooding in Delta and Cross River states in the South-South region.

One of the flood victims, Mr. Friday Mbah, said, “We can no longer go to work because of heavy rains, our shops have been flooded for three days now, we are hungry but have nothing to eat because we can’t go to work, yet nobody cares.”

Another victim, Mmesoma Uju, blamed the situation on the government’s lack of proactive efforts to desilt waterways and open more channels across the State, especially considering NIMET’s warnings.

In some areas of Rukpokwu and Rumuahulu, movement was restricted to prevent floodwaters from washing away residents.

The situation also caused severe traffic congestion, as some roads became flooded and impassable.

Another flood victim, Mr. Michael Barine, said, “Apart from affecting buildings and farmlands, we lost valuables like electronics, beds, chairs, and generators.”

In response, the State Government stated it has taken note of the advice from the Federal Government, which identified Rivers State as one of the high-risk areas for potential flooding this year.

The government also announced that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is deploying teams to the State and other at-risk regions to educate residents on flood preparedness and mitigation measures.

A statement by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the State Government, Hector Igbikiowubo, said, “The State supports the initiative and urges all residents, especially those in flood-prone communities, to take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.”

The government further warned against illegal land reclamation activities, which they said worsen environmental degradation and increase the risk of flooding. Unauthorised reclamation of wetlands and ecologically sensitive areas disrupts natural drainage systems, putting communities at greater risk during heavy rainfall.

The government also warned that it will not tolerate such activities and will take strict legal action against offenders. Those found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with environmental protection laws.

“Residents should clear drainages and avoid dumping waste into waterways. Those in flood-prone areas should relocate to safer grounds. Cooperate with emergency response teams and heed official advisories. Report illegal land reclamation or other environmental violations to the appropriate authorities,” said the government.

Heavy rains and flooding are expected from July to October. It is hoped that the government will take proactive and substantial steps to mitigate these devastating floods, rather than merely ordering residents to relocate to safer grounds. Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) should be established for flood victims, as many lack the resources to relocate from their current locations.