Persistent heavy rainfall from Tuesday to Wednesday has led to severe flooding in several neighborhoods across Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Areas including Cemetery, Azikoro, Ekeki, Okaka, Swali, Kpansia, Amarata, and Ovom were among the hardest hit, with flash floods leaving many residents deeply distressed and uncertain about the safety of their homes.
The continuous downpour has also caused water levels to rise in the nearby Epie Creek and River Nun, prompting concerns that this year’s flooding may be especially devastating. The Federal Government has already issued warnings about the risks posed by rising water levels across several states. In Bayelsa, a region notoriously prone to flooding and situated six feet below sea level, the situation appears particularly grave.
Governor Douye Diri had previously assured the public that studies were underway for a comprehensive drainage system to mitigate flooding in the state capital. However, this plan has yet to be executed, leaving residents to fend for themselves. In affected neighborhoods such as Amarata and Ekeki, many people have resorted to using buckets and basins to keep water from entering their homes, with some reporting significant damage to their property.
Prominent environmentalist Alagoa Morris shared his own experiences, revealing that both his home and office were inundated by floodwaters. His family is now considering relocating as the situation worsens. Morris emphasized the urgent need for the government to implement an effective drainage system in Yenagoa to alleviate the recurring problem of flooding.
