Days of heavy rainfall have caused widespread flooding across parts of Rivers State, leaving roads submerged, homes inundated, and residents displaced in several communities.
In Port Harcourt, major roads and streets were flooded, disrupting movement and business activities. Residents of Osu Ogu Water Pit Estate in Abuloma have appealed to the Rivers State Government for immediate intervention after floodwaters overtook homes in the area.
Speaking to our correspondent, a landlord in the estate, Mathew Ameso, alleged that the flooding worsened after a private developer sand-filled a large section of a riverbank, blocking the natural flow of water. 
According to Ameso, several families have lost property worth millions of naira, while some residents narrowly escaped death after floodwaters entered their homes overnight. He and other residents called on the government to compel the developer to reopen the blocked waterways before the situation deteriorates further.
The flooding crisis has also spread beyond Port Harcourt. The President-General of the Orashi National Congress, Emeni Ibe, urged the Rivers State Government to deploy a swamp buggy to clear blocked canals across the Orashi region.
Ibe warned that unless the canals are cleared without delay, many communities could soon be submerged. He appealed to both the Rivers State and Federal Governments to take swift action to prevent a larger humanitarian disaster.
In Oyigbo Local Government Area, residents of Graceland and Umusia communities have begun evacuating their homes after three consecutive days of heavy rainfall.
The President-General of the Movement for the Development of Oyigbo Ndoki Asa Ethnic Nationality, Dr. Victor Okpute, blamed successive administrations for failing to implement lasting flood control measures, leaving communities vulnerable to recurring disasters.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced an assessment of flood-affected communities in Oyigbo following reports of flooding in Rumuonwaokelebe, Osuofia, Marcyland, and Graceland.
In a statement published on its Facebook page, NEMA said a team from its Relief and Rehabilitation Department visited the affected communities to evaluate the extent of the damage.
According to the agency, persistent rainfall and strong winds destroyed homes, farmlands, economic trees, and other sources of livelihood, leaving many families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
NEMA said the outcome of the assessment would guide its next phase of emergency response and relief efforts for affected residents.
