Helen Okechukwu
Heavy rainfall has caused havoc in the Southern part of Rivers State and has become a thing of sorrow leaving many homeless and disrupted business activities in various communities in Rivers.
The downpour which lasted for days left some communities heavily flooded and forced the closure of businesses and schools as well. Some of the major affected areas include Aligu, Oboburu, Ohali-Elu, Idu, Ayoria, Obákàtá, Kriegene, Usomini, Ebeocha, and Obiete 1.
A report confirmed that roughly 277,555 people were affected by the flood and 158 deaths were recorded. The following year, according to NEMA, 129,000 persons were affected and at least 68 persons lost their lives across the country.
Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA), has previously warned that 32 States including the Federal Capital of Nigeria should be ready for floods this year.
Part of the statement reads, “Efforts must be made to mitigate and respond effectively to flooding. We have sent advisory letters and maps showing predicted flood risk areas in various states to the respective state governments.
“We say “again” because it has become a ritual for NEMA to routinely sound this flood warning every year, without that warning preventing the devastation occasioned by floods when they eventually arrive. Ordinarily, warnings are meant to induce proactive actions and measures to prevent looming danger, but in Nigeria, they are mere rituals done to fulfill all righteousness.”
As a result of the water being released from the Lagdo Dam in the Northern Province of Cameroon, Rivers State was one of the 14 states that received a warning from NEMA about the expected flash flood from the Benue and Niger Rivers.
Residents react
Idu Community PC: Christian Goodman
One of the residents of Omoku community, Christian Goodman lamented that the community is currently experiencing flooding in the area and that many residents are left with no choice but to vacate their homes.
“People are suffering, no good food, no light. Some residents at Oboburu, Idu, and Ohali-Elu communities are moving out from their houses to Upper land, the poor innocent citizens are crying. We are using this to call on conscious individuals, and the government to save us from this disaster,” he added.
Oboburu Community PC: Christain Goodman
Another resident of Omoku town, Ogor Nwachukwu, who depends solely on the fishing business, cried out that the flood has affected her business.
She said, “No road for us anymore, the food to even get the fishes we sell is affected as a result of the flood. The alternative we have now is to make use of other routes which are not even ours, so we have to pay for extra transportation to get there.
Elizabeth Chukwu, also reacted that “The last time that the Orashi River was dredged was in 2015, assuming the river had been dredged and maintained by the government, the flood would not have been this much,” she said.
Ibocha Beauty said her house has been destroyed by the flood. With the hope that it will eventually end, she has moved all of her possessions to a safer location.
“I have packed all my belongings to a safer place for now because water has taken over my house.”
Idu Community PC: Christian Goodman
A source who pleaded anonymity urged community leaders who serve at the local and State Government level to assist the resident, adding that the moment has come for them to demonstrate leadership and show affection to the poor people.
He said, “The flood is increasing rapidly. My people need help. Many people have been displaced, a girl was a victim of a snake bite and has been unconscious. Many have no food to eat but those who claim they are the eyes of homework are enjoying their comfort zone. I challenge the people who call themselves true leaders to show good examples now, not later when you need them to vote for you.”
