The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended other legislative activities to urgently assess the worsening flood situation across the state, following reports of widespread destruction of homes, roads and means of livelihood.

The decision was taken on Tuesday during the 55th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Assembly, after the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, raised a Motion of Definite Matter of Urgent Public Importance under Order 26 of the Standing Orders of the House.

Somiari-Stewart drew the attention of the lawmakers to the plight of residents affected by the floods, saying several communities had been severely impacted, with properties and sources of livelihood destroyed.

She expressed particular concern over reports that poisonous reptiles had entered some homes submerged by floodwaters, warning that the situation posed serious risks to residents.

The Deputy Majority Leader urged the Assembly to take immediate steps to address the situation and specifically called on members to visit affected communities to ascertain the extent of the damage.

Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, expressed sympathy with residents affected by the flooding and directed lawmakers to visit their respective constituencies to assess the situation and provide whatever assistance they could.

The Speaker thereafter put the motion to a vote, with members unanimously voting in favour of visiting flood-affected communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

Following the resolution, members of the Assembly moved to several areas affected by the floods, where they inspected the level of destruction and interacted with residents who narrated their experiences of the disaster.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Amaewhule said the visit was prompted by the motion adopted by the House as well as numerous distress calls received from constituents across the state.

He said the lawmakers considered it necessary to personally inspect the affected areas rather than rely solely on reports about the situation.

“As an Assembly, we deemed it necessary to move around the streets of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt to see things for ourselves. What we have seen clearly shows that flooding requires urgent attention.”

The Speaker said the inspection revealed that many families had been displaced by the flood, while several roads had become inaccessible, describing the development as a major concern requiring immediate government intervention.

According to him, the inspection also showed that flooding in some locations was linked to blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while other areas were affected by natural water flow.

Amaewhule consequently stressed the need for agencies saddled with the responsibility of desilting and maintaining drainage infrastructure to effectively discharge their duties.

He said regular clearing of drainage channels and canals would help prevent flooding in areas where the disaster was linked to blocked waterways.

The Speaker expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would respond to the situation by taking necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the flooding and protect lives and property.

The Assembly’s intervention came amid reports of flooding affecting several parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, with residents in some communities facing disruptions to movement and daily activities.

The lawmakers’ inspection is expected to provide the Assembly with first-hand information on the scale of the damage and the immediate needs of affected communities.