Flood displaces 200 Families in Rivers Communities

More than 200 families in the Rumaholu-Nkpolu Pipeline Area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, have been displaced due to severe flooding, according to reports on Tuesday.

Residents are alarmed as snakes and other reptiles have begun to emerge because of the flooding, which has caused significant damage to their properties. They noted that this is not the first instance of such flooding; it first occurred in 2017 after some individuals allegedly constructed buildings on the waterways.

Speaking to reporters, a resident named Thomas shared that whenever floods strike, families often spend around seven months away from their homes each year while waiting for the water to recede. This year, however, they evacuated quickly upon seeing snakes swimming in the floodwaters.

He remarked, “If you enter any abandoned house now, you’ll likely find at least six snakes. At night, if you’re coming down the stairs without a flashlight, you might encounter them. Sometimes we almost step on them, which is why many of us fled.”

An anonymous female resident attributed the problem to property owners who built on canals and called for government assistance. “We urge the Rivers State Government to construct an underground drainage system here. We have to use boats to reach our homes,” she said tearfully.

She also expressed concern that while they were away, criminals had looted their homes, emphasizing the need for the government to address the underlying causes of the flooding so they can return safely. “We locked our house before leaving, but by the time we came back, everything had been stolen. We are starting from scratch,” she lamented.

Kalu Chukwuma, the Chairman of the Landlords Association in the Rumaholu-Nkpolu Pipeline Area, urged the Rivers State Government to act on the recommendations made by the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning a few years ago. He suggested that the water be properly redirected to appropriate canals.

He stated, “Look around, and you’ll see many homes, including multi-story buildings, affected. Although this area was originally well-planned, something has clearly changed. Perhaps some areas are blocked now without our knowledge, as this flooding wasn’t an issue until 2017.

“The government needs to assist us, whether by clearing the area or redirecting the water. When the water levels rise, it even begins to seep up from the ground along with snakes. We’ve had to take some neighbors to the hospital, especially those who have no one to help them.”