Residents of Bayelsa State are expressing growing concern as severe flooding, intensified by continuous heavy rainfall, disrupts local communities.
While current water levels are not as catastrophic as those experienced during the flooding of 2022, several areas, including Amassoma, Biseni, Anibeze, and Akenpai, have been significantly affected.
The Flood and Erosion Control Directorate has attempted to reassure residents, stating that water levels are expected to begin receding within days.
Walson Omuso, the Head of the Directorate, informed The PUNCH Metro on Wednesday in Yenagoa that the recent thunderstorms could signal an imminent decline in water levels.
“Flooding cannot be completely prevented due to rainfall, but its impacts can be mitigated,” Omuso explained.
He added, “The flood will subside soon.
In about three or four days, you will begin to see signs.
The rain these days, accompanied by thunder, shows that the water will recede soon.
Our work is not about aiding flooded communities but about prevention, though flooding cannot be stopped as it results from rain.”
In an effort to facilitate runoff and drainage, Omuso noted that his agency has been actively clearing water channels.
Amos Aherhoke, a resident of Akenpai in Yenagoa, recounted his own experience, stating, “If I had not elevated my floor, water would have overtaken my home.”
He added that he has to roll up his trousers whenever he leaves or returns home due to the flooding.
Joshua Odoko, a farmer in Anibeze, Sagbama Local Government Area, shared his plight as floodwaters have submerged his community, forcing him to harvest his cassava prematurely to avoid losses.
The flooding crisis has also garnered attention on social media.
Comrade Alagoa Morris, Deputy Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network, highlighted the situation in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
In Obogoro, along the Yenagoa-Oporoma road, homes have similarly been inundated, prompting residents to construct makeshift wooden bridges for access to their properties.
Farmers, particularly those with unharvested crops, are facing heightened anxiety.
One farmer, who chose to delay harvesting his potatoes in anticipation of better market prices, expressed concern over the rising water levels.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he stated, “I left the potatoes in the hope that prices would increase, but with the way the water is rising, I may have to harvest them soon.”
