Floods devastate Yenagoa, residents plead for intervention

Residents of Yenagoa, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, are facing unprecedented challenges.

The situation is dire for those residing along the street opposite the Medical University, where recent flooding has become a significant concern.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned that Bayelsa is among the 19 states expected to experience flash flooding this year, a prediction that has unfortunately come to fruition.

On Monday, the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists conducted an independent tour of the Imgbi area to assess the flood situation firsthand. The findings were alarming, with residents lamenting the severe impact of the flooding on their lives and properties.

One resident, who requested anonymity due to fear of victimization, shared her distressing experience. “This compound is always flooded whenever it rains. If you visit during a downpour, you’ll have to swim through the compound,” she said. She explained that the flooding has worsened since the construction of a new road in the area.

“Before, the rainwater would drain away quickly, but now, it stays and floods our homes.”

The resident, a widow and sole caregiver for her children, described the ordeal of trying to protect their belongings from the floods. “Every time it rains, we have to move our property to higher ground and wait for the rain to stop before scooping the water out. It’s exhausting and disheartening,” she lamented. “We’re calling on the government for help. We can’t afford to replace our soaked belongings, and sometimes we have to sleep on the floor because our mattresses are wet.”

Another resident, Madam Preye Jonah, echoed these concerns. She pointed out that the flooding is exacerbated by a canal behind her house. “When the canal fills up, water runs into the street, flooding our homes,” she explained.

The residents of Yenagoa are calling for urgent government intervention to address the flooding. They argue that the road construction, while initially celebrated, has inadvertently worsened their living conditions. “This road has blocked the natural drainage paths, causing water to accumulate in our compounds,” one resident noted.

The community’s plea is clear: they need immediate and effective solutions to mitigate the flooding and prevent further damage to their homes and livelihoods. The residents are also hoping for long-term measures to improve drainage systems and ensure that future infrastructure projects do not compromise their safety and well-being.

The situation in Yenagoa highlights the critical need for comprehensive urban planning and responsive governance.