Residents of Oro-Owo Community in Rumueme Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been thrown into distress following severe flooding caused by a heavy downpour that swept through parts of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, destroying homes, businesses and valuable property.

The flood, which submerged several streets and residential areas within the community, left many residents stranded and counting losses as water inundated buildings, shops and other economic assets.

Affected residents, who spoke to during an assessment of the damage, described the situation as alarming and lamented that the community has continued to experience recurring flooding without any lasting government intervention.

According to them, the flash flood disrupted movement within the area, making roads impassable and hindering commercial activities.

They noted that beyond the immediate destruction of property, the persistent flooding poses significant health and environmental risks to residents through the spread of waterborne diseases and environmental degradation.

Some residents expressed frustration that despite repeated complaints and appeals to relevant authorities over the years, the problem has remained unresolved.

They called on the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene by providing relief to affected families and implementing sustainable flood-control measures to prevent future occurrences.

“We are suffering every rainy season. Many people have lost household items, goods and other valuables. Movement becomes difficult whenever it rains heavily, and the situation keeps getting worse,” Orluwene, a resident lamented.

The residents further urged government agencies responsible for urban planning, drainage and environmental management to carry out immediate assessments of the area and commence remedial works.

Speaking on the development, Secretary of the Oro-Owo Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Eze Otuonye, said the flooding problem has become a recurring nightmare for residents and businesses in the community.

He disclosed that several appeals and complaints had been made to the appropriate authorities over the years, but little or no meaningful action had been taken to address the situation.

Otuonye appealed to the state government to take decisive steps towards finding a permanent solution to the problem by tackling the root causes of flooding in the area.

According to him, improving and expanding drainage infrastructure within the community would go a long way in protecting lives, property and livelihoods.

He warned that unless urgent intervention is undertaken, residents may continue to face devastating losses whenever there is heavy rainfall.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over flooding in several parts of Port Harcourt and its environs, especially during the peak of the rainy season, as residents continue to demand improved drainage systems and proactive environmental management to mitigate the impact of recurring floods.