Several parts of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, were submerged by floodwaters following heavy rainfall on Sunday, leaving residents stranded and causing damage to properties and infrastructure.
Gatekeepers News reports that videos circulating on social media showed flood waters rising above the waists of some residents as they struggled to salvage their belongings.
Areas affected include Chiomana Street in Rukpokwu, parts of Aba Expressway, Peter Odili Road and Ozuoba, among others.
Several vehicles were submerged, while some residents were seen scooping water out of their homes in an attempt to prevent further damage. Electric poles were also reportedly destroyed by the flooding.
The incident disrupted academic and social activities across affected communities. Wedding guests were reportedly left stranded over the weekend after floodwaters submerged a reception venue.
The presence of heaps of refuse and sewage floating on the floodwaters has further raised concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks among residents.
Poor Drainage, Town Planning Blamed
The flooding, which followed torrential rainfall in the area, has been attributed to poor town planning, the obstruction of natural waterways and indiscriminate refuse disposal by some residents.
The development of areas that previously served as natural drainage channels and stormwater spillways has also been identified as a contributing factor.
Some residents have appealed to the Rivers State Government for urgent assistance, saying they have nowhere else to go as floodwaters continue to inundate their homes.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the flooding.
