By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Residents of Eliozu, a bustling community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, woke up Tuesday morning to scenes of destruction and displacement after a torrential downpour triggered a flash flood that swept through homes, shops, and roads, leaving property and goods worth millions of naira damaged.
The flooding, which followed overnight rainfall from Monday into Tuesday, left parts of the community impassable, forcing many commuters and business owners to stay indoors or wade through waterlogged streets. Several shops were submerged while their owners, unaware of the coming disaster, had closed for the day with their goods still inside.
One affected resident, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukam, recounted his ordeal:
“The rain that fell overnight ruined almost everything in my shop. I locked up on Monday thinking it was just another normal evening. Now both my shop and apartment are flooded. We need to act fast and unblock the drainages before the rains get worse.”
Another resident, Mrs. Philip, shared how her morning school run turned into a crisis.
“My car broke down in the middle of the flood while I was taking my kids to school. I had to carry them through the water. It’s dangerous. Government needs to take this flood threat more seriously before lives are lost.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier warned that Rivers State was among 21 states likely to experience flash flooding this July due to increased rainfall. Tuesday’s flood in Eliozu appears to confirm that forecast.
In response, the Rivers State Government has reiterated its flood alert and called for immediate action by both residents and authorities. The Senior Special Adviser on Media to the State Government, Mr. Hector Igbikiowubo, in a public statement, warned against indiscriminate land reclamation, illegal dumping of waste, and blocked drainage systems.
“The Rivers State Government has taken note of the Federal Government’s flood advisory. Illegal reclamation of wetlands worsens flooding. Offenders will face prosecution,” he stated.
He added that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will be deployed to sensitize communities across the state, while urging those in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and cooperate with emergency response teams.
“This is not the time to take chances,” he warned. “We all have a role to play to protect lives and property.”
As the rains intensify, residents are hoping that government interventions will be swift and effective and that the tragic losses suffered in Eliozu won’t be repeated elsewhere in Rivers State.