The Osun State Government has ordered an audit of flood-control infrastructure projects carried out across the state since 2020 and directed the establishment of an early-warning and community reporting system following recent flooding that affected more than 1,000 households.

The measures were contained in a series of directives issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke after an assessment of communities affected by the latest flooding across the state.

The governor also directed the development of an Osun State Flood and Stormwater Master Plan based on hydrological and hydraulic assessments of drainage catchments.

Several communities in Osogbo, the state capital, were among those badly affected by the flooding. Areas identified include Gbodofon, Ogooluwa, Omigade, Ijetu, Oke Arungbo, Baruwa and Isale Osun.

According to PUNCH, more than 700 buildings close to the Osun River in Ijetu, Isale Osun and Oke Osun were affected. Residential buildings, hotels, schools and business premises were among the structures impacted by the floodwaters.

In response, Adeleke directed the Ministries of Environment, Works, Water Resources, Lands and Physical Planning, Health, Agriculture and Local Government Affairs, alongside the Osun Waste Management Authority and Osun State Emergency Management Agency, to conduct a coordinated assessment of the affected communities.

Affected local governments are also expected to submit verified reports showing the locations of flood incidents, households affected, infrastructure damage and the immediate needs of residents.

The Osun State Emergency Management Agency was directed to coordinate emergency assistance and establish a verified register of affected households.

The Ministry of Works was also instructed to inspect damaged bridges, culverts and roads and introduce appropriate emergency safety measures.

At the same time, the Ministry of Environment and the Osun Waste Management Authority were directed to clear critical waterways, drainage channels and culvert entrances to improve water flow and reduce immediate flood risks.

Flood infrastructure audit

A major part of the new measures is the Flood Infrastructure Performance Audit, which will cover major flood-control interventions carried out in Osun from 2020 to date.

The audit is intended to provide an assessment of existing flood-control infrastructure and help the state identify areas requiring further intervention.

The government also plans to develop a Bridge and Culvert Hydraulic Safety Register to classify critical crossings according to structural and hydraulic risks.

The Ministry of Works is expected to strengthen enforcement against developments that obstruct waterways, drainage corridors and floodways.

Osun Flood Watch

The governor further directed the establishment of Osun Flood Watch, an integrated early-warning and community-reporting platform.

The system is expected to improve the state’s ability to receive information about flooding and provide earlier warnings to communities at risk.

The state will also develop a consolidated climate-risk and flood-incident intelligence report, with the Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change coordinating the process.

The government said the Flood and Stormwater Master Plan would provide a longer-term framework for managing flood risks across the state, using catchment-level hydrological and hydraulic assessments.

Agencies given reporting deadlines

All ministries, departments and agencies involved in the response have been directed to submit their initial implementation reports within 14 days.

A consolidated progress report is also expected to be submitted monthly for the remainder of the rainy season.

The measures follow a separate directive issued after the recent flooding in which the governor expressed concern over the impact of excessive rainfall on homes, businesses and livelihoods.

The state government had also warned residents against dumping refuse on waterways and constructing buildings on natural water channels and flood-prone corridors.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress expressed sympathy with residents affected by the flooding and called for assistance from the state and Federal Governments, religious organisations, civil society groups and other individuals and organisations.

The party also called for temporary relief for displaced residents and urged the National Emergency Management Agency to support affected communities.

It further called for stricter enforcement of planning regulations to prevent construction on waterways and other flood-prone locations.

The Osun State Government said the new measures are intended to move beyond immediate flood response towards a more permanent, data-driven approach to flood management and climate resilience.

The post Osun Launches New Flood Management Measures After Widespread Flooding appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Flooding has destroyed residential homes, rice farms and other property in five agrarian communities in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving residents counting their losses.

The affected communities are Pututa, Tswako, Likpata, Godangi and Ekko, all within Lafiagi Ward 4.

The flooding followed heavy rainfall on Tuesday and affected homes, farmlands and other community infrastructure.

No lives were reportedly lost in the incident, but residents suffered significant damage to property and agricultural produce, with rice farms among the affected farmlands. A source of drinking water was also destroyed.

The flooding has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of riverine communities in Kwara North, particularly those located around the River Niger basin.

Governor visits affected communities

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Pututa and other affected communities to assess the situation and sympathise with residents.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammed Kudu Kawu, the governor described the recurring flooding as unfortunate.

He said the state was concerned about the destruction caused by the latest incident and noted that the government was working to provide support to affected residents.

“The purpose of this visit is to come and commiserate with the communities over the flood incident and to see how we can bring succour to the affected communities,” AbdulRazaq said.

He said the absence of fatalities was welcome but acknowledged that significant property had been destroyed.

The governor also identified the dredging of the River Niger as a possible long-term measure for addressing recurring flooding in the area.

According to him, dredging is beyond the capacity of the state government alone, but the state would continue to engage relevant federal agencies for support.

These include the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission.

SEMA ordered to assess losses

AbdulRazaq directed the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency to visit the affected communities and document the losses recorded during the flooding.

The assessment is expected to provide information on the extent of damage to homes, farms and other property and help determine the assistance required by affected residents.

The governor also announced N10 million in immediate support for residents of Pututa.

The money is intended to help provide basic needs, including food, medical assistance and drinking water, following the destruction caused by the flood.

PUNCH had earlier reported that the state government described the N10 million intervention as part of its immediate response to the disaster after floodwater submerged parts of Pututa.

Rice farms washed away

The flooding also caused losses for farmers whose rice farms were affected by the rising water.

The five affected communities are predominantly agrarian, meaning that damage to farmland could have wider consequences for household incomes and local food production.

Residents said the floodwater washed away crops and affected agricultural land that communities depend on for their livelihoods.

The destruction of a drinking-water source has also created an additional concern for residents who need access to safe water in the aftermath of the flooding.

Communities seek lasting solution

Residents of the affected communities have called for more permanent measures to prevent recurring flooding.

The communities are located in a riverine area, and residents have experienced flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The head of Pututa, Alhaji Muhammed Manko Ibrahim, appealed to the state government to assist the community in finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Lafiagi Ward 4 contains about 31 villages, according to the head of the Pututa community, who said the riverine nature of the area makes residents particularly vulnerable to flooding.

The governor’s proposal to pursue the dredging of the River Niger has therefore become part of the wider discussion around long-term flood management in the area.

Radio Nigeria also reported that AbdulRazaq described dredging of the River Niger as a lasting solution and said the state would continue engaging federal agencies over the matter.

Flooding remains a recurring risk

The latest incident highlights the continuing flood risk facing communities located along the River Niger and other waterways.

While emergency assistance can help affected families recover from immediate losses, residents and authorities continue to face the challenge of finding longer-term measures to reduce the impact of flooding.

Such measures may include improved flood monitoring, protection of waterways, resilient infrastructure and better preparedness in vulnerable communities.

For the affected residents of Pututa, Tswako, Likpata, Godangi and Ekko, the immediate priority remains recovery from the latest disaster, replacement of damaged property and farmland, and access to food, water and other basic necessities.

The state government’s damage assessment and emergency support are expected to provide the basis for further intervention as residents begin to recover from the flooding.

The post Flood Destroys Homes, Rice Farms in Five Kwara Communities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Flooding has displaced families, disrupted schools and businesses and submerged homes and roads across parts of Rivers and Delta states following days of heavy rainfall.

In Rivers State, several communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have been badly affected, with residents forced to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter in vehicles, uncompleted buildings and other locations.

For Vivian Onyeije, a mother of four from Rumusita in Eneka, Obio/Akpor, the flooding has forced her family from one temporary shelter to another.

Floodwater first entered her home and rose to waist level, forcing her to leave with her children. She moved to her shop, but the water reached there two days later.

The family then moved into an uncompleted building around the Rumopku axis, only to be forced out again after another heavy downpour submerged the surrounding area.

The family eventually resorted to sleeping in their vehicle.

Her experience reflects the situation facing several families across parts of Rivers State, where floodwaters have submerged residential areas, businesses and roads, leaving residents searching for alternative accommodation.

The Guardian reported that hundreds of families across Port Harcourt and neighbouring communities have been affected, with some residents relocating to villages because of the flooding and rising accommodation costs.

Schools forced to close

The flooding has also disrupted education in affected communities.

At Rumuakoara Community Secondary School in Nkpolu, Obio/Akpor, rising water forced teachers and students to leave the school premises.

Several schools in Rumusita along the Eneka axis were also affected, disrupting academic activities and preventing many children from attending classes.

Residents said the situation had affected both public and private schools in the area, while some churches and other community facilities also suspended activities because access had become difficult.

Businesses and public facilities affected

Businesses in areas including Nkpolu and Rumuekini have been forced to close as floodwater spread through roads and commercial areas.

Churches, mosques and other public facilities around Ozouba and Nkpolu were also affected, with some closing while others recorded reduced activities.

A wedding venue in GRA, Port Harcourt, was among facilities affected by the flooding.

The University of Port Harcourt has also experienced flooding around parts of its premises, although the institution said the water usually drains towards the Choba River after rainfall stops.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu, explained that prolonged rainfall makes the situation worse because the water does not have enough time to drain away.

Several roads and communities submerged

The flooding has affected a wide range of communities and major roads across Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas.

Areas reported to have been affected include Uzoba, Rumuekini, Choba, Eneka, Stadium Road, NTA Road, Mgboba, GRA, Chokocho in Etche, Peter Odili Road, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumuparali, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Cornerstone, Iwofe, Rumulumeni, Rumoaholi and Elikpokwu.

Several buildings have been submerged, while some structures in Rumuekini reportedly developed cracks.

Vehicles have also been stranded, with floodwater making several roads difficult or impossible to use.

The scale of the flooding has prompted some residents to compare the current situation with the devastating floods recorded in 2012.

There have also been concerns about the emergency response, with reports indicating that many displaced families had not found organised evacuation centres or Internally Displaced Persons camps at the time of the report.

In Obio/Akpor, however, the local government chairman mobilised a flood committee, which was observed desilting a canal along SARS Road following reports of the flooding.

Delta communities also badly affected

The flooding has extended beyond Rivers State, with several communities in Delta State also experiencing widespread inundation.

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Udu, Uvwie, Warri, Ughelli, Agbarho, Okpe and Ughelli South local government areas, as well as parts of Agbor in Ika South and Okpanam in Oshimili North.

In Udu, floodwater took over the popular Udu Express Junction and affected the road between Ovwian and Otor-Udu.

The Udu Bridge Road leading to Udu Express Junction and Orhuwhorun Road was also submerged, making movement difficult.

Communities including Ekete Inland, Ekete Waterside, Okpaka, Opete, Ovwian, Orhuwhorun, Odjikpata, Emadadja and Ujevwu were among the affected areas.

In Warri, residents in Ubeji, Okere, Abala Street near the Third Marine Gate of Igbudu and Okumagba Avenue were reportedly forced out of their homes.

Flooding also affected Alero Primary School and Igbudu Primary School, disrupting school activities.

Homes and businesses affected in Uvwie

Several parts of Uvwie, including Effurun, Refinery Road, Aka Avenue, Effurun GRA, Jakpa Road, Ebrumede, Ohore 1 and 2, Ugbomro, Alegbo, Alaka, Ugbolokposo, Effurun-Sapele Road, Shaguolo in Ekpan and Niger-Cat, were also affected.

Homes, shops, schools, hotels and vehicle yards were reportedly surrounded or submerged by floodwater.

Families were seen moving out of their homes while business operators attempted to protect vehicles, equipment, goods and other property from the water.

The Effurun-Agbarho section of the East-West Road was also almost completely overtaken by floodwater, further disrupting transportation between communities.

In Okuokoko, Okpe Local Government Area, several families reportedly abandoned their homes after floodwater entered residential premises.

Residents of Princess Jokoh Close, off Freshville Street, and Nehemiah Street near the Osubi-Okuokoko boundary were among those affected.

Residents linked part of the flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure, while concerns were also raised about road and construction activities that may have affected existing water channels.

Drainage and urban planning concerns

The flooding has renewed concerns about drainage infrastructure, waste management, urban planning and the ability of communities to cope with increasingly intense rainfall.

In Rivers State, residents and environmental observers have raised concerns about blocked and poorly maintained drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and sand-filling activities.

There have also been concerns about buildings and other developments being approved without adequate consideration of their environmental suitability.

Environmental expert Daniel Briggs said flood management should combine drainage planning and maintenance with enforcement of building regulations, protection of waterways, proper waste management and rapid emergency response.

He also noted that developers and property owners have responsibilities where construction, sand-filling or obstruction of natural waterways contributes to flooding.

The issue is not limited to Rivers and Delta. Nigeria’s 2026 flood outlook has identified thousands of communities across the country as being at risk, highlighting the wider challenge of flood preparedness and urban resilience.

Residents call for urgent intervention

Residents affected by the flooding have called for urgent government intervention, including relief materials, temporary accommodation and stronger emergency response.

A resident of Rumuekini, Blessing Friday, said many people had been displaced and were moving their belongings from one place to another without a permanent place to stay.

He called for the ecological fund to be used to assist affected communities and urged the government to provide relief materials while strengthening emergency response systems.

Another resident, Elizabeth Woke, described the situation as distressing and appealed for immediate support for displaced families.

In Rumusita, flood victim Vitalis Barile said water entered homes and destroyed property, with floodwater reaching waist level in some locations.

He said residents found fish swimming inside compounds and even kitchens as water spread through the community.

According to Barile, some residents have relocated while others are staying in uncompleted buildings because finding alternative accommodation at short notice has become difficult.

He also said the flooding had affected schools and religious activities across the community.

Another resident, Emma Friday, called for both government action and greater responsibility from residents, particularly in relation to waste disposal and the obstruction of drainage channels.

For residents across Rivers and Delta states, the immediate concerns remain the safety of families, protection of property, access to homes and businesses, and the availability of emergency assistance.

The latest flooding has also brought renewed attention to the need for better drainage systems, stronger urban planning, protection of natural waterways and long-term flood management measures in communities repeatedly affected by heavy rainfall.

The post Flooding Sweeps Across Rivers and Delta, Displacing Families and Shutting Businesses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

The post Cross River Community Cries Out as Flooding Ravages Homes, Threatens Lives in Calabar South appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated early flood preparedness measures in Rivers State and Bayelsa State following projections of severe flooding risks in 2026.

The move comes after official forecasts identified both states among the most vulnerable areas likely to experience flooding this year.

Stakeholders Mobilised for Coordinated Response

Speaking during a disaster preparedness meeting in Port Harcourt, NEMA’s Head of Operations, Chidi Ogunda, said the agency is shifting focus toward proactive disaster management.

The session brought together key agencies, including:

• Nigerian Police Force
• Federal Road Safety Corps
• Federal Fire Service
• Department of State Services
• Nigerian Red Cross Society
• Ogunda emphasised that collaboration remains critical to reducing disaster impact.
• 33 States, FCT Listed as High-Risk Areas

According to the 2026 National Flood Outlook, flooding could affect:

33 states and the FCT

266 local government areas

Over 14,000 communities nationwide

This data underscores the urgency for early intervention and coordinated planning across all levels of government.

Shift from Reactive to Preventive Strategy

NEMA says Nigeria is gradually moving away from reactive emergency responses to a more predictive and preventive framework.

Ogunda noted that future efforts will include:

• Community training and capacity building
• Deployment of early warning systems
• Engagement of local volunteers and leaders
• Strengthening inter-agency coordination

He stressed that disaster preparedness must extend beyond flooding to include fire outbreaks, road crashes, and other emergencies.

Security Agencies Pledge Support

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its readiness to respond swiftly during emergencies, noting that officers are often first responders in crisis situations.

Similarly, the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed plans to reduce road accidents by 10% in 2026 through improved training and community engagement.

The agency also highlighted its emergency response line, 122, for rapid reporting of incidents.

Fire Service Intensifies Public Awareness

The Federal Fire Service said it has scaled up sensitisation campaigns, targeting homes, businesses, and institutions to promote fire safety and prevention.

Officials stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing disaster-related losses.

Recurring Flood Threat Raises Concerns

Nigeria has experienced repeated flooding since 2012, with devastating effects on lives, infrastructure, and agriculture.

NEMA warns that without sustained preparedness and resilience-building, the impact of future floods could worsen.

Outlook: Building a Resilient Nigeria

Authorities say the 2026 strategy focuses on building a disaster-resilient system that prioritises early action, coordination, and community involvement.

Ogunda concluded that disaster management is a shared responsibility requiring continuous collaboration across agencies and citizens.

The post NEMA Begins Flood Preparedness in Rivers, Bayelsa as 2026 Risk Outlook Expands appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have been submerged by floods, forcing authorities to warn residents along riverbanks to relocate to safer grounds.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, said 258 communities across eight local government areas are flood-prone. “Forty-two IDP camps have been constructed to take care of those to be displaced while an emergency operations centre has been opened,” he said.

Atimah warned that water releases from dams will worsen the situation. “In the next 72 hours, the state will be entering a difficult period,” he said, listing Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara as the worst-hit communities.

Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdullazeez, said the ministry has already begun fumigating IDP camps and mobilising health workers. “My ministry is aware that there may be outbreak of diseases or epidemic in the various IDP camps and we are fully prepared,” he said, commending Governor Usman Ododo for his quick interventions, which he noted prevented casualties during last year’s floods.

The post Flood Submerges Five Kogi Communities, Residents Urged to Relocate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The deployment, approved by NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, follows a recent assessment that identified critical operational gaps in some regional offices. According to a statement released by the agency’s Press Unit on Tuesday, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen disaster response infrastructure at the sub-national level.

“As climate-related emergencies, particularly flooding, become more frequent and severe, it is imperative that our emergency teams are fully equipped to deliver rapid, life-saving interventions,” Mrs. Umar stated.

Each MICU ambulance comes fitted with advanced life-support equipment, including oxygen delivery systems, patient monitoring technology, suction kits, and other critical tools designed to stabilise patients en route to medical facilities. The deployment was guided by detailed vulnerability analyses and logistical planning.

NEMA emphasised that this effort forms part of its wider commitment to building a resilient disaster management framework across the country.

With meteorological forecasts warning of potentially severe flooding in multiple states, the agency is accelerating its preparedness measures ranging from the upgrade of response infrastructure to community engagement programs and simulation drills.

The agency reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely and effective responses to emergencies, thereby safeguarding lives and livelihoods amid growing climate threats.

The post NEMA Bolsters Flood Preparedness with Deployment of Mobile ICU Ambulances to Key Cities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.