Severe flooding has displaced residents and disrupted economic activities in parts of Rivers State, forcing businesses and families to flee their homes and shops.

One of the worst-hit areas is Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where floodwaters have submerged homes, roads and business premises.

The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of the area, Echene Daddy, said residents have been battling flooding for over three years, but this year is the worst.

“As I am talking to you, stranded people have moved out of their houses. They are now in my office. They are using my office as a refugee camp. Even the community town hall is filled up with people,” he lamented.

Daddy said the deplorable condition of Nkpolu-Rumuigbo Road and adjoining routes such as Obi-Wali Road through Tuscany and Eckankar has worsened the situation, making movement impossible for motorists and residents.

He disclosed that some companies operating in the area have already relocated to other states due to the flooding.

“There is a company here that has relocated. They are looking for somewhere in the East where they will move to because of the flood,” he said.

The flood has also affected education in the community. According to the CDC Chairman, both the community secondary school, Apara, and the primary school, UPE, have been flooded and abandoned.

“Our secondary school Apara has been flooded and abandoned. If you go to our primary school, UPE, it has been abandoned. Floods, no zinc on the roof. Students are learning under the rain,” he added.

Other affected areas across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor include Eneka, Rumuekini, Choba, NTA Road, Mgboba, Rumodumanya, Iwofe, and Marine Base, where residents say they now hire pumping machines daily to flush water from their homes.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended other legislative activities to focus on the flood crisis, while the Obio/Akpor Local Government has commenced desilting of canals and drainage channels with swamp buggies.

Residents are calling on the Rivers State Government to provide a lasting solution beyond palliatives.