Flooding has disrupted life and economic activities in Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, with residents and business owners counting losses after heavy rainfall left parts of the area submerged.
The flooding affected homes, businesses, roads and other facilities, making movement difficult and forcing some residents to move their belongings to safer locations.
Several business owners in the affected areas were unable to open their shops or continue normal operations as floodwater spread across streets and commercial areas.
Residents said the situation has become a major concern as rising water continues to affect movement and daily activities in the community.
The flooding has also added pressure to communities across Port Harcourt and surrounding areas that have experienced widespread inundation following heavy rainfall.
Businesses forced to close
Businesses around Nkpolu and neighbouring communities have been particularly affected, with traders and other operators unable to access their premises.
The disruption has resulted in lost trading hours and damage to property and goods, adding to the economic burden on residents who depend on daily business activities for their livelihoods.
Similar disruptions have been reported in other parts of Rivers State, where flooding has affected commercial activities, schools, religious centres and residential areas.
Homes and residents affected
For residents living in low-lying parts of the affected communities, the floodwater has made it difficult to remain in their homes.
Some residents have had to move valuable belongings to higher locations or leave flooded buildings altogether.
Reports from other affected communities in Rivers State described residents attempting to rescue household items from rising water, while some families were forced to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.
The flooding has also affected schools and other community facilities. In Nkpolu, rising water forced activities at Rumuakoara Community Secondary School to be disrupted, while schools in other affected communities also experienced difficulties.
Religious activities have equally been affected in some locations, with churches and other public facilities recording reduced activities or shutting down because residents could no longer move freely through flooded areas.
Roads and movement disrupted
Flooding has continued to affect movement along several roads and communities in and around Port Harcourt.
Areas reported to have experienced flooding include Nkpolu, Rumuigbo, Rumuekini, Ozouba, Choba, Eneka, NTA Road, Stadium Road, Mgboba, GRA, Peter Odili Road, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumulumeni, Rumoaholi and other communities.
Some roads became difficult or impossible to navigate, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded and disrupting access to homes and businesses.
The recurring flooding has also renewed concerns about drainage, road infrastructure and the ability of existing urban infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall.
Growing concern over recurring flooding
Flooding has become a recurring challenge in several parts of Port Harcourt, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Earlier reports on the Nkpolu-Rumuigbo axis have also highlighted the condition of Obi Wali Road, where flooding has previously disrupted businesses and movement between Rumuigbo Junction and Nkpolu Junction.
Residents and traders in the area have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of flooding on businesses and transportation.
The latest incident has again drawn attention to the need for effective drainage systems, functioning roads and stronger flood management measures in vulnerable communities.
For residents and business owners affected by the latest flooding, the immediate concern remains the recovery of damaged property and goods, restoration of access and measures to prevent similar losses when heavy rainfall returns.
With flooding affecting several communities across Rivers State, the situation continues to highlight the challenges facing urban areas where drainage and road infrastructure have struggled to cope with intense rainfall.
