Photo: Unrelated photo of a flooded community
Hundreds of residents of Oro-Owo Community in Rumueme Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been left counting their losses after a torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding that submerged homes, shops, and major access roads within the area.
The downpour, which swept across parts of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, inundated residential neighbourhoods and commercial premises, forcing some families to evacuate while others struggled to salvage household belongings and business goods from the rising waters. Several properties were reportedly damaged as floodwaters overwhelmed streets and drainage channels.
The latest flooding incident has reignited concerns among residents over what they described as a long-standing environmental challenge that continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and property in the community. Many affected residents said repeated appeals for government intervention have yielded little result, leaving them vulnerable whenever heavy rains occur.
Residents who spoke during an assessment of the affected areas described the situation as alarming, noting that the flood disrupted movement within the community and brought commercial activities to a halt as roads became impassable.
They warned that beyond the destruction of homes and businesses, the recurring floods pose serious health and environmental hazards, including the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases and worsening environmental degradation.
Some of the residents expressed frustration over what they called years of neglect despite numerous complaints to relevant authorities.
They appealed to the Rivers State Government to urgently provide relief materials to affected families and implement lasting flood-control measures to prevent future disasters.
“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,” a resident, Orluwene, lamented.
The residents also called on agencies responsible for urban planning, drainage maintenance, and environmental management to immediately assess the situation and commence remedial works in the area.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary of the Oro-Owo Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Eze Otuonye, described the flooding as a recurring nightmare for both residents and business owners.
He said the community had, over the years, submitted several complaints and appeals to the appropriate authorities, but noted that little progress had been made in addressing the underlying causes of the problem.
Otuonye urged the state government to take decisive action by addressing the root causes of flooding in the area and investing in improved drainage infrastructure.
According to him, expanding and rehabilitating drainage systems would significantly reduce the impact of flooding and help protect lives, property, and means of livelihood.
He warned that without urgent intervention, residents would continue to suffer devastating losses whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
The incident has further heightened concerns over recurring floods in Port Harcourt and surrounding communities during the rainy season, with residents increasingly demanding improved drainage facilities and proactive environmental management to mitigate the impact of future flooding.
