Residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, are facing a dire situation as relentless rainfall since Monday afternoon has caused widespread flooding in major junctions and business areas.
The intermittent downpour has brought traffic to a standstill on popular Ikwerre Road, with commuters forced to trek through knee-deep waters in some areas.
In Eliozu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, the floodwaters have ravaged shops and houses, leaving business owners like Achinike Amadi devastated.
“The rain has destabilized me, see water all over my shop,” Amadi lamented. “I think blockage of the drainage may be part of it, but I feel the water channel is not properly functioning.”
Other residents, like Magret Okoye, a shop owner on Ikwerre Road, are used to flooding but were still caught off guard by the rapid rise in water levels.
“We are used to the flood, although the continuous rainfall since yesterday till today worsened everything as the water level rose beyond expected and entered my shop,” Okoye said.
Rivers State’s geographic location makes it prone to flooding, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warning of severe flood risks in 2025.
According to NiMet, the state’s coastal position, crisscrossed by tributaries of the Niger River, heightens its vulnerability to flash floods.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has issued a warning to residents, advising them to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of potential flooding in the state.
This comes after the federal government identified Rivers State as one of the high-risk areas for flooding this year.
The government in a statement by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser – Media, said they have taken note of the recent advisory and are working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to sensitize residents on flood preparedness and mitigation measures.
To minimize the impact of flooding, residents are advised to clear drainages and avoid dumping waste in waterways to prevent blockages that could worsen flooding.
They are also advised to relocate to safer grounds if residing in flood-prone areas to avoid the risk of being trapped in their homes.
The government, however, urged residents to cooperate with emergency response teams and heed official advisories to ensure their safety.
They are also encouraged to report any cases of illegal land reclamation or other environmental violations to the appropriate authorities.
The Rivers State Government also reiterated its stance against illegal land reclamation activities, which exacerbate environmental degradation and worsen flooding conditions.
The government warned that it will not tolerate such activities and will take strict legal action against individuals or organizations found culpable. Offenders will face prosecution in accordance with environmental protection laws.
Igbikiowubo, noted that the Rivers State Government remains committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of all residents.
