Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding in several parts of Abuja, leaving residents with damaged property, submerged vehicles and, in some areas, forcing people to evacuate their homes.

The flooding, which occurred over the weekend, affected communities across the Federal Capital Territory and has renewed concerns about the state of drainage infrastructure and the pace of urban development in the nation’s capital.

Katampe Main was reportedly among the worst-affected areas, with residents saying the district has experienced flooding on three separate occasions.

Residents have raised questions about whether existing drainage systems are capable of handling the increasing volume of development in the area.

One resident, in a post on X, said the floodwaters damaged fences and gates and affected vehicles and other properties.

In Utako, a resident, Theo Agada, said he narrowly escaped death after his vehicle became submerged in floodwater around Dan Suleiman Street.

Agada, who said he had lived in the FCT since 1994, recounted the incident on X, describing it as a frightening experience.

The flooding also attracted concern from businessman and politician Tein Jack-Rich, who criticised what he described as the abandonment of Abuja’s original master plan and urged affected residents to remain calm.

The latest incident has intensified calls for authorities to address Abuja’s drainage network and urban planning challenges, particularly as rapid development continues to expand into previously less-developed areas.

Residents are demanding immediate measures to improve drainage systems and prevent further flooding and destruction during heavy rainfall.

However, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had yet to provide official figures on the extent of the damage, affected households or casualties as of the time of filing the report.